UAE Court Orders Firm to Pay Dh80,900 After Worker’s 12-Year Wage Dispute

An employee has won a labour case after suing his company over unpaid wages following nearly 12 years of service.

 

The worker, who earned a total monthly package of Dh4,000 — including a basic salary of Dh2,000 — told the court that his dues were not settled when his employment ended.

 

This week, the Abu Dhabi Labour Court of First Instance ruled in his favour, ordering the company to pay Dh80,900 in unpaid wages and end-of-service benefits. The court found that the employee was legally entitled to the amount under UAE Labour Law.

 

According to Al Khaleej newspaper, the worker said the company failed to pay 15 months of salary worth Dh60,000, along with Dh20,900 in end-of-service gratuity.

 

For an employee earning Dh4,000 a month, the unpaid amount represented more than a year’s income.

 

The company argued that the worker had stopped reporting to duty at one stage, but admitted it had not initiated formal legal action over the alleged absence.

 

The court relied on documentary evidence, including a valid employment contract and proof that the employment relationship continued until termination. In the absence of proper action by the employer, the court found the employee’s claim to be substantiated.

 

The company was ordered to pay Dh80,900 along with legal costs.

 

Labour disputes in the UAE frequently turn on documentation and procedural compliance. In this case, the employer’s failure to take formal action proved decisive.

 

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