Air Mauritius Strips 142 Retirees of Travel Perks in Legal Row

Air Mauritius has stripped travel benefits from anyone, including former employees, who pursues legal action against the airline. The decision, labelled as “intimidation” by a former executive, comes as a group of retirees continues to fight for what they believe are their rights.

Pensions slash leaves retirees reeling

Raj Ramlugun, a former Air Mauritius executive and a spokesperson for the Air Mauritius Retirees/Pensioners Cell, said the company’s move to remove travel benefits from those taking legal action is an “act of intimidation” that undermines a constitutional right to justice.

The group is also seeking answers on the abrupt reduction of their annual pension increase from 3% to a mere 0.25% in 2022. Mr Ramlugun gave an example of a monthly pension of Rs 30,000, which now only sees a meagre adjustment of Rs 75.

This change impacts 142 employees who were forced into early retirement in 2021. At the time, they were promised an annual 3% increase on their pensions, but this was later cut to 0.25%.

The group has sent letters to authorities requesting an explanation for what they call an “unjustified” change.

Mr Ramlugun said the group just wants to know “if this change was made correctly,” even if they do not succeed in their legal challenge.

Calls for a public inquiry

Mr Ramlugun also called for a parliamentary committee to ensure transparency in state-owned companies. He noted the high cost of legal action, stating that it “requires money and great endurance to fight.”

The Air Mauritius Retirees/Pensioners Cell has also reached out to the Human Rights Commission regarding the cancellation of travel privileges. The company’s management has maintained that these benefits are a privilege, not a right.

Source: l’Express