The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) welcomed on Friday a recent Supreme Court (SC) decision, which declared that demotion, verbal abuse and indifferent behavior of an employer resulting in forced resignation of an employee is a ground for constructive illegal dismissal.
“The Commission believes that this ruling reaffirms the protection of employees from coercive work environments and underscores the accountability of employers who subject their staff to hostile treatment,” the CHR said.
In a statement published on September 27, the SC said “constructive dismissal happens when an employer creates such unbearable working conditions that the employee feels forced to resign.”
It cited the case of a man working for a popular car brand, who was reportedly humiliated by his senior managers, which made him quit. The upper management in the said company also made it difficult for him to process his exit clearances, among other issues.
“The CHR commends the judiciary for upholding the protection of workers’ rights, and we echo the Court’s message that no employee should be forced to choose between their livelihood and their dignity,” the Commission said in its statement.
“This (SC) ruling serves as a strong reminder that all workers, as right-holders, deserve to work in environments free from abuse, coercion, and hostility,” the CHR added.
