Cassation File No. 251534

Cassation File No. 251534

251534+

• Date: Hamle 24, 2016 E.C..
• Applicant: Ethio Agri Saft PLC.
• Respondent: Ato Belayneh Kassahun.
• Judges: Dr. Teferi Gebru, Endashaw Adane, Teshome Shiferaw, Wazimo Wasira, and Senayit Adnew.
• Summary of the Case: An employee (Respondent) challenged his demotion following a structural reorganization. The Labor Relations Board adjudicated the matter and ruled in favor of the employee. The employer challenged the Board’s material jurisdiction.
• Legal Rule: Labor Proclamation No. 1156/2011 distinguishes between “individual” and “collective” labor disputes. The Labor Relations Board has jurisdiction only over collective disputes (those affecting the common interests of employees). Individual disputes must be resolved in regular courts.
• Reasoning: The dispute concerned only the Respondent’s personal placement and did not impact the rights or interests of the workforce as a whole. Therefore, it was an individual dispute over which the Board lacked jurisdiction.
• Ruling: The Board’s decision was reversed for lack of material jurisdiction.