MK Employees’ Concerns & Allegations, An Urgent Appeal to PM

On December 5, 2024, a detailed letter was sent to Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam by a group of concerned employees from Air Mauritius, known as MK Trust. The authors of this letter voiced serious accusations against the airline, alleging practices of nepotism, mismanagement, and favoritism within the national carrier.

The letter specifically names approximately forty employees and management members, detailing their alleged misconduct.

This call for intervention is described by the signatories as a last resort, aimed at restoring integrity and transparency within the company.

The letter, substantial and critical, outlined various grievances against questionable decisions and practices that the signatories believe are detrimental to the organization. Some key points raised include:

• Opaque Management Practices: Several senior officials are accused of securing their positions through political or personal connections rather than qualifications.
• Such a scenario has allegedly cultivated an environment rife with incompetence and abuse.
• Employees argue that unnecessary expenditures, including generous allowances and unjustified perks, as well as contracts awarded to associates of certain leaders, are eroding the airline’s financial stability at the expense of its workforce.
• Favoritism, Neglect, and a Culture of Intimidation: Promotions and recruitment processes are perceived as biased, displaying a pattern of preferential treatment for individuals linked to political figures.
• Some employees have reported that their salary demands and rights are overlooked while unqualified individuals are appointed to crucial roles.
• Reports of authoritarian behavior and intimidation from certain executives have made it difficult for employees to voice their concerns.
• Demands from the Signatories: The employees are calling for an independent and thorough investigation into the practices they have denounced. Their demands include:
• Conducting an audit of decisions made in recent years, particularly regarding hiring, promotions, and expenditures.
• Ending politically motivated appointments in favor of a merit-based system.
• Reviewing management practices to safeguard employee rights and ensure transparency.
• Assessing the new administration’s effectiveness.

As a newly elected Prime Minister, Navin Ramgoolam faces significant challenges with this matter.

Air Mauritius, often celebrated as a national asset, is now grappling with allegations that reveal serious underlying issues.

With the government set to announce its priorities for 2025, the future of Air Mauritius stands to symbolize the commitment to reform and good governance.

For the concerned employees, immediate action is imperative: “We hope these issues will be taken seriously and that substantial reforms will be implemented to restore Air Mauritius to its exemplary leadership role,” the letter concludes.

The public and employees are now awaiting concrete measures to rebuild trust in the national airline.

The letter specifically named individuals who are implicated without prejudice, including:

• Vyass Beedasy (Transport Manager)
• Roshni Purmessur (HR Manager)
• Neeta Nukchade (HR, ex-Purser)
• Ziyaad Parthese (Commercial Department, ex-South Africa)
• Yogesh Molloo (Commercial Department)
• Sixtine Marrot (Commercial Department)
• Patrick Ter Hofsteede (Pilot, ex-advisor)
• Sameer Baichoo (COO and Pilot)
• Sailesh Jhowry (Senior Manager, Ground Operations)
• Pravin Jogoo (CEO of GHS)
• Rajesh Beehary (Station Manager, London Heathrow)
• Vishal Kissoon and Hemraj Shibchurn (Aviation Doctors)
• Ah Chip Laval (Suspended Staff)
• Rajesh Ramsurrun (Various positions)
• Shalini Motteea (Promoted under Amba Manikham)
• Jean Hughes Lan Sun (Head of Cabin Operations)
• Jean-Bernard Sadien (Head of HR)
• Komal Dwarka (HR Team Member)
• Alain Leung Hing Wah (Chief Pilot)
• Charles Cartier (CEO)
• Kavish Seedam (HR Consultant)
• Amba Manikham (Suspended Staff)
• Ryan Ramsamy (Union Leader)
• Darell Nallan (Ex-union President)
• Fazlee Peerbux (Administrative Position)
• Jennifer Francois (PG Position)
• Shenil Budhun (PG Position)
• Daniel Francois (Auditor, Acting DM)
• Rajesh Cahaneea (Cargo)
• Y. Nallagoinden (Cargo)
• Kevin Beessoondoyal (Managerial Position)
• Kris Sunassy (Trade Union Secretary)
• Kavita Ghoorbin (AMSA Secretary)
• Canderally (LS4 Position)
• Sailesh Peerthy (Foreign Contracts)
• Yaasiin Noormahomed (Planning Section)
• Sahil Mathoora (Maintenance Controller)
• Vincent Carosin (Senior Flight Purser)
• Roudesh Muttylall (Financial Controller)
• Roy Lutchman (Communications Department)
• Jean-Claude Beehary (Chief Instructor, Safety)

The outcome of this appeal remains to be seen as stakeholders closely monitor the situation, eager for a resolution that reinstates accountability and confidence in Air Mauritius.

Source: Le Mauricien