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DKT Ethiopia, an NGO
active in social marketing in Ethiopia, has been
sued by 49 female staff members where were recently
laid off.
Ebissa Wakene, chairman
of DKT Ethiopia's Employees Union, presented the
charge to the Federal First Instance Court's Kera
Labour Dispute Bench, and demanded their
reinstatement with payment of back salaries.
DKT, which is popular
for its Hiwot Trust low-cost condom, also
distributes Confidence contraceptives and Lemlem
Oral Rehydration Salt (ORS) in Ethiopia.
The NGO, which imports unpacked contraceptives,
medicines and condoms with financing from various
humanitarian groups, used to package the goods
locally. However, on October 31, 2007, it laid off
its employees who carry out the packaging, saying
that it will henceforth package the goods elsewhere
following the imposition of duties on packing
materials by the Ethiopian government.
"Though local packing has stopped as of September
10, 2007 with the decision made by DKT
International, you have been paid until the
termination of the contract," read a letter written
to each employees signed by Andrew B. Piller,
director of DKT Ethiopia. " Since the organisation
cannot afford to pay for its inactive staffs
anymore, your contract has been terminated as of
October 31, 2007 in accordance with the labour law."
The employees were paid 20 months of salary,
including what they would have been paid during
their annual leave.
The employees who contend that they should have been
given an earlier notification, however, believe that
it is an unlawful decision and that does not benefit
the organisation, as management contends.
"It is a reckless move by the executives of the
organisation to advance their self-interests at the
cost of the employees and the country," the lawsuit
stated.
The labourers argue that the organisation unlawfully
places the cash it obtains from doners in foreign
accounts in a sophisticated manner. They assert that
DKT is putting its employees at risk at a time when
prices of consumables have significantly
skyrocketed.
DKT Ethiopia currently
receives support from the Netherlands, Ireland, the
UK, Packard Foundation and the government of
Ethiopia. Previous donor support has come from the
Packard Foundation, the Gates Foundation, the World
Health Organisation and others. During 2006, DKT
helped to sell 5.6 million injectable
contraceptives, 59.9 million condoms and 2.3 million
ORS sachets.
"We could have been transferred to other
responsibilities that require the same level of
qualification we have," reads the appeal. "There are
vacant posts in the organisation like product
distribution and awareness creation that do not
require professionalism."
Ebissa, chairman of the
employees union, has been an employee of the head
office of DKT Ethiopia in Addis Abeba for the past
xx years. However, while he was preparing to present
the charges to the court, he was transferred to
Gambela.
"You can be transferred to any other region or
position at any point during your service as
required by DKT," read the letter Andrew wrote to
Ebissa on December 12, 2007.
According to the letter, the main reason for his
transfer is the appointment of a regional project
coordinator in Gambela.
"The appointee, who has limited experience with DKT,
has been promoted as a regional director. Your
responsibility will be to assist him to quickly
reorganise regional activities," reads the letter.
Ebissa's transfer will
be effective as of December 24, 2007.
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