By Yankuba Jallow
The case of 145 former employees of former Ocean Bay Hotel proceeded yesterday before the Industrial Tribunal of the Kanifing Magistrates Court.
The 145 men sued the Social Security and Housing Finance Corporation (SSHFC) for unlawful termination of their contracts (employment). The case has lasted for about 4 years and the plaintiffs have been only able to call 3 witnesses, due to delays and long adjournments.
The case has also been handled by different Magistrates including Pierrette Mendy. The new Magistrate handling the case now has registered her willingness to proceed with it.
When the case was called before the panel of the Industrial Tribunal on Thursday, December 19th, Lawyer E. Sanneh appeared for the plaintiffs while Counsel O. Jallow appeared for the SSHFC.
Omar Bah, a former senior bar supervisor of the said Hotel is the third plaintiff’s witness in the matter. He tendered all his contract documents with Ocean Bay Hotel and was cross-examined by Lawyer Jallow. Bah said his contract with the hotel began on the 1st of March 2013, but was terminated in February 2014. The witness said he was given his termination notice with reluctance.
“I did not accept the termination, but I received it,” Bah said.
He said he is claiming for the entire benefit of his contract with the hotel.
The matter was adjourned to 9th January 2020 at 9:30 am for continuation of hearing.
