Crowne Plaza ordered to reinstate worker

A HOTEL employee who was fired by her employer almost three years ago on grounds that she had abandoned her job is to be reinstated by order of the Industrial Court, from December 1, 2003.

In addition, the court has ordered Crowne Plaza Trinidad to pay to Zelina Ali-Ferran damages in the sum of $60,000 for period February 13, 2001 to November 30, 2003. Crowne Plaza has also been told that it must recognise all the worker’s service, including the period February 13, 2001, for all purposes.

Ali-Ferran had been employed by Crowne Plaza since 1996. The court, comprising H Soverall, presiding member; and G Ramsubeik and S Maharaj, members, found that the worker was dismissed in circumstances that were harsh, oppressive and contrary to the principles of good industrial relations practices.The dispute between the company and the worker stemmed from a request by Ali-Ferran for five days leave because her daughter was ill. After considering the arguments of both the employer and the Banking, Insurance and General Workers’ Union which represented Ali-Ferran, the court agreed with the submissions of the union.