I have been working as a sales manager for more than three years. A month ago, the company asked me to work as a salesman. When I objected to being downgraded, the company owner said I might be dismissed and asked me not to come to work. I then decided to resign. Is the owner’s action in accordance with the labour law? Should I file a complaint against the company?
According to the law, downgrading an employee is considered a form of arbitrary dismissal. The questioner’s resignation in this case is an expression of his disagreement to such a move. The employer is violating his obligations towards the employee. As such, the questioner has the right to obtain his dues along with compensation for arbitrary dismissal. The questioner should file a complaint against the company if he fails to reach an amicable settlement.
Non-payment of rent
Six months ago, I rented out my villa in Dubai under a two-year tenancy contract. The tenant paid the rent in four postdated cheques with each cheque to be encashed every three months. However, the bank returned the second cheque unpaid. I contacted the tenant and he kept promising to pay without actually doing so. Am I allowed to cut off electricity to the villa, or should I file a rental case to claim the pending rent and get the tenant to vacate the villa?
The law does not allow a landlord to cut off electricity to the tenant due to non-payment of rent. The law requires the questioner to give the tenant 30 days’ notice to pay the rent, either by notary public, or registered mail. If the rent is not paid in the course of the notice period, the questioner is entitled to file a case against the tenant to claim the rent and evict him from the villas as per the Rent Committee Law No 26 for 2007, Clause No 25A.
Questions answered by advocate Mohammad Ebrahim Al Shaiba of Al Shaiba Advocates and Legal Consultants.
