MK Employees Forced into Unpaid Leave Awaiting their 2026 Pension Payouts

Air Mauritius is facing a deepening crisis over its inability to pay retirement benefits, reportedly telling staff aged 60 that it lacks the funds to settle their lump sums and pensions. The national carrier, which recently claimed to have returned to profitability under its former CEO, has sparked outrage by advising prospective retirees to take extended “leave without pay” instead of drawing their pensions.

The “Empty Coffer” Dilemma

Despite official narratives of financial recovery, the airline’s Human Resources department has informed staff that the “coffer is empty.”

Employees seeking to retire have been met with a proposal to remain on unpaid leave until a financial solution is found.

While some staff have remained in their posts to secure their livelihood, others who followed the advice to take unpaid leave now claim they were misled.

These employees have seen their leave periods repeatedly extended as the promised payments fail to materialise.

Legal Intervention and Management Changes

The situation has escalated to the Ministry of Labour, with frustrated staff seeking legal enforcement of their rights.

Amidst the turmoil, a newly appointed HR lead—reportedly unfamiliar with the specific details of the dispute—has pledged to present a formal proposal shortly.

Consultancy Controversy

The controversy has been further stoked by allegations of preferential treatment. Affected staff expressed “shock” upon learning that while the company claims it cannot afford pension payouts, it has hired three former retirees as airport consultants.

Key concerns raised by the workforce include:

• Lack of Transparency: Consultants were allegedly appointed without a formal tender process.
• Resource Management: Employees question why internal staff were not utilised for these roles instead of external consultants.
• Financial Disparity: The three consultants have already successfully secured their own lump sums and pensions, unlike the staff currently being asked to wait.

Affected employees continue to wait for their dues, fearing that a resolution could remain years away despite the airline’s public claims of financial stability.

Source: Le Mauricien