NASSAU- A woman fired after she returned from maternity leave has been awarded almost $14,000 after winning a case for unfair dismissal.
Delladian Symonette lost her job as a cook for the Bahamas Correctional Officers Association (BCOA) on March 6, 2017.
When the BCOA prematurely ended her contract, which was due to expire on February 24, 2018, Symonette received a cheque for $550, representing two weeks’ pay.
Prior to her dismissal, Symonette was granted two weeks’ vacation from November 15 to December 2, 2016.
She was supposed to return to work on December 5, 2016 and begin maternity leave a short time later.
However, Symonette gave birth on November 28, 2016, one week before her vacation was supposed to end.
In its termination letter, the BCOA cited Symonette’s “extended” absence as the reason for her dismissal.
On the other hand, the industrial tribunal ruled the BCOA wrongfully dismissed Symonette and inadequately compensated her. The tribunal awarded Symonette $13,475, which represents the balance of her contract, plus 10 percent interest.
