Job Discussion Forums

ShaikhRattleandRoll · Joined: 15 Feb 2007 Posts: 15

A friend of mine may be heading into legal battle due to an unscrupulous employer. Can anyone who has gone to court recommend a lawyer?

Also, are there any opinions from those who have actually taken their employer to court as to whether or not the courts ruled fairly? When friends of mine left UAEU a couple years ago they consulted a lawyer and were basically told not to bother going to court. (Apparently UAEU does not pay gratuity based on the income of the final year even though that's what is written in their contract).

carlen · Joined: 17 Jul 2006 Posts: 172 Location: UAE

Iedit

moralleader1 · Joined: 15 Oct 2007 Posts: 69 Location: USA

You should go for it.

I did it in the UAE, I got what I wanted and the management team was fired because I had a great cause (I was an academic threat to the managers and they decided to let me go). No need details and if I were you, I'd fight for it to the last tooth (Just make sure it is a good case).

Hope this helps.

boxcarwilly · Joined: 23 Jan 2003 Posts: 85

Remember that the Ministry of Labor "laws" are somewhat different than the Ministry of Education "laws" and sometimes they conflict. You can download the Ministry of Labor laws quite easily using Google to search for UAE labor laws. Familiarize yourself as a lawyer is no substitute for self/legal awareness. Don't get me wrong, lawyers are a great asset when the time comes to use them but things do get messier when we take that step. I have been to the Ministry of Labor for free counseling and found them to be very helpful about the issues and quite willing to petition the court for me for justice. I did not go to court as I let it be known to the right people that I had been to the Ministry, had a good case and was willing and able to litigate - they settled; you don't get as much money but then you don't have to do as much work. The BS that these schools are too powerful to beat is just that, BS. When more people are willing to take action to enforce their rights, the word spreads and employers become more aware of their limitations when stepping over the lines and everyone benefits. But it all begins with awareness and backed up with a spine.

mishmumkin · Joined: 01 Sep 2007 Posts: 929

I would suggest having a bi-lingual friend with you at all meetings.

Sui Generis · Joined: 18 Feb 2008 Posts: 11 Location: Abu Dhabi

I think that the firm of Al Tamimi & COmpany are the best in the country. Not cheap though.

uaeobserver · Joined: 05 Feb 2007 Posts: 236

I have a business card from Al Otaiba Advocates (Hamdan Street, Al Otaiba Tower).

No idea though, if they're any good. Only know they were a member of the Club when I lived there.

For all I know, they could be the counsel for the employer.