On Wednesday, Phuc Yen Town People's Court in northern Vinh Phuc Province upheld the decision by Toyota Motors Viet Nam (TMV) to discipline an employee whom the company stated had breached its labour regulations.
HA NOI – On Wednesday, Phuc Yen Town People's Court in northern Vinh Phuc Province upheld the decision by Toyota Motors Viet Nam (TMV) to discipline an employee whom the company stated had breached its labour regulations.
The court's decision followed a petition by a TMV engineer claiming damages for mistreatment at work after he'd drawn attention to what he claimed were manufacturing errors in thousands of TMV vans that could be potentially hazardous to drivers.
The dispute began on May 31, 2011 after Le Van Tach reported to company bosses that he was being bullied at work by fellow employees for drawing attention to what he claimed were manufacturing errors in the tyres of Toyota vans.
TMV's general director met with all relevant parties and was unable to find any evidence to support Tach's claims, and the case was dismissed. Tach was unhappy with the outcome of the investigation, and continued to send emails to the general director saying that "TMV will learn an expensive lesson if you have made the wrong decision"
Tach was subsequently demoted on lower pay for six months for allegedly harassing bosses with complaints via email about the case.
TMV claimed its actions were in line with company regulations, namely paragraph 6, Article 57 regarding offensive and unacceptable behaviour.
Tach was officially disciplined under Decision No 435/2011/TMV-QD08/25/2011.
According to TMV, the court on Wednesday concluded that the decision made by TMV was lawful and did not violate Tach's rights.
Local news reported Tach disagreed with the court's decision and would appeal his case to a higher court. – VNS
Sidebar
March, 2011: Tach reported that thousands of vans made by Toyota Motors Viet Nam (TMV) had manufacturing errors
April, 2011: TMV admitted the defects but it also said there was no need to recall the vans because the defects were not serious.
May, 2011: Tach reported to his boss that he was being bullied at work by fellow employees.
June, 2011: Toyota suspended Tach for three months while they considered the case. Tach received full wages and benefits during that period.
August, 2011: Tach was temporarily demoted on lower pay for six months for allegedly harassing bosses with complaints via email about the case.
September, 2011: Tach took TMV to court for mistreatment and abuse of his labour rights.