Abu Dhabi Labour Court Awards Dh110,400 in Unpaid Salaries
An Abu Dhabi labour court has ruled that a company must pay an employee Dh110,400 in unpaid wages after repeatedly delaying his official start date and preventing him from commencing work.
Details of the Case
The First Instance Court confirmed the compensation amount, which covers four months and 18 days of salary. The employee had signed a fixed-term contract stipulating a basic monthly salary of Dh7,200 and a total package of Dh24,000 per month. He sought payment for the period from November 11, 2024, to April 7, 2025.
According to court records, the employer repeatedly postponed the employee’s start date, resulting in no pay during the entire timeframe. Although the company’s representative appeared in court to submit a defense and requested to transfer the case to another division, the court dismissed these requests based on the evidence presented.
Court’s Findings and Legal Basis
The ruling emphasized that documentation clearly showed the delay was caused by the employer’s actions. The court highlighted the legal principle requiring timely wage payments and affirmed that wages are an employee’s undisputable right, which cannot be withheld without explicit written consent from the worker.
The employer claimed the employee had not reported to work and was on leave. However, the court found no formal investigations or proof backing these claims. Although the employee acknowledged taking eight days off, the court factored this into the deduction from the final wage awarded.
What This Means for Employees and Employers
- Timely salary payment is a legal obligation, and any unjustified delay can result in penalties against employers.
- Employers must document and investigate any employee absences properly before withholding wages.
- Employees should retain contracts and related documents to support claims if disputes arise.
This verdict reaffirms the protection of workers’ rights under Emirati labour laws and sets a clear precedent on handling unpaid wages due to employer delays.
