Bahrain court rules in favour of employee in wrongful termination case

TDT | Manama                                                     

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

The Bahrain Lower Criminal Court has ruled in favour of an employee in a wrongful termination lawsuit filed against his former employer.

The employee had originally submitted a complaint after being fired without proper cause from his job at a travel and tourism company, where he worked under an open-ended contract.

According to details provided by the employee’s lawyer, his client faced harassment during his employment in the form of derogatory language and insults directed at him in front of coworkers.

Finally, the employer terminated the employee without prior notice. The employer also refused to pay his dues. This prompted the employee to file a legal case against the company to claim wages owed for missed months of pay, as well as compensation for wrongful termination, delayed wages, and to receive a service certificate.

Counterclaim

In response, the employer filed a counterclaim, alleging the employee had embezzled funds totalling BD15,000 that were received from customers but not remitted to the company. The court examined evidence from both sides.

Documents submitted by the employee’s lawyer showed customers transferring funds to him via an app, which he would later deposit at the office per the employer’s request due to the company’s bank account being frozen by a previous court order related to financial issues. Finding no conclusive proof of wrongdoing, the court acquitted the employee of the claims against him.

The employer was also ordered to pay the employee BD2,240 in owed wages plus 6% annual interest for the first six months, increasing 1% per delayed month up to 12%. Interest of 2% is also applicable from the date of filing until settlement. The employee must also receive a service certificate.