*** Former restaurant general manager awarded BD2,600 in labour dispute | THE DAILY TRIBUNE | KINGDOM OF BAHRAIN

Former restaurant general manager awarded BD2,600 in labour dispute

TDT | Manama

Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com

A former general manager has successfully sued his former employer, a restaurant owner, for unpaid wages and compensation.

The court ruled in favour of the plaintiff, awarding him a total of BD2,666.67 in back pay, compensation, and interest, although the defendant employer claimed that the relationship was not one of employer-employee but rather a business partnership in which the plaintiff was responsible for all operational expenses and shared profits.

According to the plaintiff ’s lawyer, Ali Al Qasseer, his client filed a lawsuit demanding BD2,800 in unpaid wages, compensation for delayed payment, annual leave allowance, notice pay, end-of-service gratuity, compensation for contract termination, and a return airfare ticket.

Notice

“My client worked for the restaurant for eight months at a monthly salary of BD400 before his employment was abruptly terminated without prior notice or payment of outstanding dues,” the lawyer argued before the Labour Court.

The defendant, the restaurant owner, alleged that the relationship was a partnership, claiming the plaintiff managed the restaurant, covering all expenses (rent, electricity, staff salaries, materials, and equipment) and sharing profits.

He claimed the plaintiff misappropriated funds and failed to meet his financial obligations, leading to accumulated debts. The court, however, rejected the defendant’s claims.

The court’s ruling cited Article 4/40 of the Labour Law, which mandates immediate payment of wages and dues upon termination of employment. The court noted the defendant failed to provide evidence of payment and considered the plaintiff’s employment contract, bearing the defendant’s apparent signature and seal, along with proof of employment termination and work permit cancellation.

Overdue wages The court ordered the defendant to pay the plaintiff BD2,666.67, plus 6% annual interest on the overdue wages for the six months or less before the due date, until full payment is made. The ruling underscores the legal protections afforded to employees under Bahrain labour law and the importance of adhering to contractual agreements and legal obligations.

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