The High Labour Court recently ruled in favor of a young man who took legal action against a local advertising company for unpaid wages and breach of contract. The company, owned by a well-known social media influencer, did not appear in court, leading to a judgement in the plaintiff’s favor. The plaintiff, a video editor who started as an intern in September 2022, claimed that despite an extended internship, he was not provided with a formal contract or paid for his work. After negotiations, his monthly salary was set at 200 Bahraini dinars, but no written agreement was ever given.
The plaintiff’s lawyer, Taqi Hussain, stated that his client stopped working after multiple attempts to receive his back pay were unsuccessful. Upon discovering that the company’s commercial registration was inactive, the decision was made to pursue legal action. The court referenced Article 46 of the Private Sector Labour Law, emphasizing that an employer must either provide a receipt signed by the employee or transfer the payment to their bank account to fulfill their wage obligations. Due to the company’s failure to attend court, provide proof of payment, or present a defense, the court ruled in the plaintiff’s favor.
As a result of the court’s decision, the company was ordered to pay the plaintiff 600 Bahraini dinars in unpaid wages for three months of work. Additionally, interest at a rate of 6% per annum was awarded for the six-month delay, with an additional 1% for each following month of delay, up to a maximum of 12% annually. Furthermore, the plaintiff was granted 500 Bahraini dinars to cover court fees, expenses, and legal costs, resulting in a total award of approximately BD1100. The ruling in favor of the plaintiff sets a precedent for holding employers accountable for failing to meet their wage obligations.
This case sheds light on the importance of having written contracts in place to protect both employers and employees. By failing to provide a formal agreement outlining salary and job responsibilities, the company left itself vulnerable to legal action. The decision by the court to award the plaintiff back wages and additional costs sends a strong message to other employers about the consequences of not fulfilling their financial obligations to their employees.
The ruling also highlights the significance of proper registration and compliance with commercial regulations. The discovery that the company’s commercial registration was inactive likely played a significant role in the court’s decision to rule in favor of the plaintiff. This serves as a reminder to businesses to ensure that all necessary permits and registrations are up to date to avoid potential legal consequences.
It is essential for employees to know their rights and take action when those rights are violated. Seeking legal recourse in cases of unpaid wages or breach of contract can lead to a favorable outcome, as demonstrated in this particular instance. By holding employers accountable for their actions, employees can protect themselves from exploitation and ensure that their rights are respected in the workplace. This case serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding labor laws and regulations to promote fair treatment and justice for all parties involved.
