Seddiqa Al Mawali has cautioned employers against imposing one-sided pay cuts or forcing employees to take unpaid leave, emphasizing that wages are a fixed legal right that cannot be altered without proper agreement.
Speaking on labor rights, Al Mawali highlighted that any change to an employee’s salary must be supported by written consent from the worker. She stressed that employers do not have the authority to reduce wages unilaterally, even during challenging circumstances, without mutual agreement.
The lawyer further explained that employees who are ready and willing to work must receive their full wages if they are prevented from doing so by the employer. In such cases, withholding or reducing pay would be considered a violation of labor laws.
According to Al Mawali, the concept of half pay applies only in exceptional situations that are beyond the employer’s control. Even then, such measures must be carefully justified and aligned with legal frameworks. She made it clear that reducing pay while employees are actively working is unlawful and cannot be enforced under any standard employment arrangement.
She also emphasized the importance of dialogue and transparency between employers and employees, particularly during times of crisis. Open communication, she noted, is essential to reaching mutually acceptable solutions and avoiding unnecessary disputes or legal conflicts.
Al Mawali concluded by urging both parties to handle workplace challenges through cooperation and clear agreements, reinforcing that respecting workers’ rights and maintaining fair practices are critical to sustaining trust and stability in any organization.
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