Lessons from Real-Life Court Disputes.
As a certified accounting expert registered with Abu Dhabi Courts, I’ve had the opportunity to provide professional opinions in many commercial disputes. Over the years, I have repeatedly seen how small oversights can escalate into significant legal battles, costing companies and individuals time, effort, and money.
Today, I want to share one of these cases—not just as a lesson learned but as a cautionary tale. It’s a story about how taking things for granted can lead to unexpected consequences and how the absence of basic documentation can worsen conflicts. Whether you are an employer or an employee, this story serves as a reminder of the importance of proactively safeguarding your rights and obligations.
Through this and future posts, I aim to highlight short stories that relates to most prominent problems that companies face, based on my practical experience, with the aim of providing practical advice to help you avoid falling into the same mistakes. Let's get started.
Episode # 1 of 2025 “Work Related Disputes”: -
When starting a new job, everything often feels perfect. Employment contracts are signed smoothly, salaries are paid on time, and vacations are granted without issues. In such moments, we tend to take things for granted, believing the stability will last forever, without considering what might happen if circumstances suddenly change.
Not long ago, I worked on a case presented in Abu Dhabi Court. The plaintiff was an employee who had worked for a company for several years. Initially, the relationship between the employee and the company was amicable. However, due to unforeseen reasons, the company decided to terminate the employee’s services abruptly. While the employee hadn’t anticipated this decision, the company had its justifications for it.
After the termination, the employee began demanding unpaid financial entitlements, including outstanding salaries, end-of-service benefits, and leave allowances. On the other hand, the company insisted it had settled all dues and owed the employee nothing. The core issue? Neither party had sufficient documentation to support their claims.
The Employee’s Perspective
When informed of his termination, the employee started reviewing his financial entitlements. However, he found himself in a weak position, lacking essential documents to back his claims: no copies of his employment contract, no salary slips, and no written confirmations regarding his leave balances.
The Company’s Perspective
The company believed it was in the clear but lacked clear and updated records to document what had been paid to the employee. When the court requested evidence to support its position, the company was unable to provide sufficient documentation.
The Consequences
The absence of documentation complicated the case and had significant repercussions for both parties:
The employee struggled to prove all his entitlements, negatively affecting his financial future.
The company faced financial damages due to the court ruling, which was based on insufficient evidence.
The Lesson
In the professional world, circumstances can change in an instant. It is crucial to always be prepared:
For Employers: Maintaining accurate and updated records strengthens your legal position and helps avoid disputes.
For Employees: Keeping copies of important documents protects your rights and gives you confidence if conflicts arise.
Practical Advice
For Employers:
Ensure all contracts, salaries, and leave records are documented clearly and systematically.
Conduct regular internal audits to ensure compliance with laws.
Keep records that show all entitlements paid to employees.
For Employees:
Always keep a copy of your employment contract and all salary slips.
Save any emails or correspondence related to your rights or entitlements.
If you face any changes in your role, make sure to document them in writing.
Conclusion The professional journey is full of surprises, and none of us can predict what might happen. However, we can always be prepared by maintaining proper documentation and committing to transparency. Documents are not just papers; they are guarantees for your rights and your future—whether you are an employer or an employee.
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