Long-running legal battle concludes with employee awarded unpaid wages and benefits
Al Ain: The Al Ain Court for Civil, Commercial, and Administrative Claims has upheld a lower court ruling ordering a private company to pay Dh74,898 to a former employee in unpaid wages and end-of-service benefits, bringing an end to a prolonged labour dispute that spanned several years, according to Al Khaleej Arabic daily.
The employee, who was dismissed after nearly 10 years of service, filed a case after the company failed to settle his dues upon termination.
Court documents revealed that the worker, who earned a basic monthly salary of Dh5,000, initially approached the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation in an attempt to resolve the issue amicably.
When no resolution was reached, the matter was referred to the courts.
In his case before the Court of First Instance, the claimant sought Dh25,000 in unpaid wages, Dh43,267 in gratuity, Dh7,500 for unused leave, Dh5,000 in notice pay, and Dh15,000 for wrongful dismissal.
He argued that despite a valid employment contract, the company had failed to honour its obligations at the end of his tenure. The employer denied the claims and urged the court to dismiss the case due to insufficient evidence.
Following an expert review, the court ruled in the employee's favour and awarded him Dh74,898.93. The company appealed, requesting that a decisive oath be administered — an accepted legal mechanism in the UAE whereby a sworn statement can settle a dispute.
The Al Ain Court permitted the oath, which the employee delivered in person. The court deemed the oath conclusive, dismissed the appeal, and upheld the original ruling.
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