Termination
I have been working for a private education company in Kuwait for about 2 years. I am currently experiencing issues with the micro-management style of my employer and I am highly vocal about it. Recently, I was asked by the unit master to offer my resignation or I might be terminated without any end of service benefits and without any notification period. I have not done anything wrong other than being critical of micro-management. I want to know under what conditions the employer can terminate my job without any benefits and without notification?
Name withheld
Answer: According to the Kuwait Labor Law an employer has the right to terminate the services of the employee without prior notice and without paying the employee’s indemnity and compensation, if an employee commits any of the following infractions:
Doing any wrongful act that results to serious damages or loss to the employer
Continuously disobeys his employer’s instructions
Disobeys safety instructions at work given by the employer on each location
Has been absent for more than seven consecutive days without any reason
Has been convicted of crime affecting honor, honesty and morality
Commits an act against public ethics in the work place
Assaults a fellow employee, employer or his agent at work or on account of work
Failure to perform his obligations under the terms of his contract or the Labor Law
Commit fraudulent activities to obtain work
Reveals secrets relating to his employment
Going by what you have told us we don’t think you have committed any of the acts enumerated above to warrant dismissal by the company without paying your indemnity. However if they carry out their threat, we advise that you file a case against them at the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor.
The Arab Times invites questions on all aspects of Kuwaiti law. If you face a problem, or need specific advice on any legal matter, from commercial and investment law to divorce and labour, send questions to the Managing Editor, Arab Times, P.O. Box 2270, 13023 Safat, Kuwait, or Fax to 24818267. E-mail: arabtimes@ arabtimesonline.com