Norfolk Hotel closes indefinitely

KENYA – Norfolk Hotel closes indefinitely, fires all workers in salary row. Owners of The Fairmont Norfolk, an iconic hotel in Nairobi announced Wednesday that it is closing its doors indefinitely and will fire all employees over the impact of coronavirus pandemic on the business.

Business Daily Africa reports, a pay cut dispute has forced the owners of The Fairmont Norfolk, an iconic hotel in Nairobi, to close its doors indefinitely and sack all employees in a row sparked by the coronavirus pandemic.

In a memo to staff dated May 27, the country manager, Mehdi Morad, said they had closed the Nairobi hotel together with another outlet in the Mara because reduced business in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic had made it difficult to meet employee pay demands.

The Business Daily established that the Norfolk employees had declined a proposal to remain on unpaid leave during the coronavirus period and demanded a 50 percent pay, triggering the closure.

The employees had opposed Norfolk’s decision to renege on a March deal that had promised them half-pay in April and May and a fresh deal from June, according to correspondence seen by this newspaper.

“In reference to the memo dated April 30, 2020, we regret to inform you that the company is rescinding the agreement made with employees in regards to half-pay in May 2020. Consequently, effective May 1, all employees will be on unpaid leave until advised otherwise,” said a memo by Axel Hauser, the Norfolk General Manager.

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