This archive report was first published on 5 June 2020.
On June 5, 2020, the owners of Fairmont Norfolk Hotel in Nairobi withdrew a notice that fired all employees and closed the hotel indefinitely following a pay dispute triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The hotel's country manager, Mehdi Morad, announced that the May 27 memo announcing the job cuts has been rescinded, and the hotel will engage in fresh talks with workers.
The dispute began when employees declined an offer to remain on unpaid leave during the pandemic and demanded a 50% pay cut, prompting a protest letter from the Attorney General's office.
After Solicitor General Kennedy Ogeto demanded an explanation for the termination, citing a breach of the law, the hotel appears to have reviewed its decision.
The Fairmont Hotels and Resorts had initially stated that they would close Fairmont The Norfolk and Fairmont Mara Safari Club due to the COVID-19 pandemic and recent flooding at the Mara Safari Club.
