After Suffering Workplace Injuries and Unfair Penalties, Court Orders “Leoni” to Pay Over EGP 165,000 in Compensation to a Worker for Arbitrary Dismissal
On October 26, 2024, the New Cairo Court ruled in favor of Mohamed R. M. Farag in two labor disputes (cases no. 502 and 789 of 2024) filed against Leoni Wiring Systems.
The court ordered the company to pay EGP 165,499.1 in compensation for unjustified salary deductions, arbitrary dismissal, notification period compensation, unpaid leave balances, and outstanding portions of his monthly salary. The ruling was secured by the Egyptian Center for Economic and Social Rights (ECESR).
Farag had joined the company in December 2016 as an assembly worker, earning a monthly salary of EGP 6,510. For years, he maintained an unblemished record until he suffered a herniated disc caused by the physically strenuous nature of his role, which required prolonged standing and heavy lifting. His health continued to deteriorate, leading to spinal osteoarthritis and ligament laxity. Following a medical assessment, the company’s consultant recommended reducing his workload and avoiding tasks requiring prolonged standing or heavy lifting.
Despite these recommendations, the company failed to adjust his work conditions. Instead, Farag faced consecutive salary deductions amounting to 35 days’ pay without proper justification. He filed a complaint at Nasr City Police Station and lodged a grievance with the Nasr City Labor Office on January 8, 2024, to contest these penalties.
During mediation, the company argued that it had accommodated medical recommendations by allowing short breaks and lowering productivity expectations. However, it accused Farag of failing to meet even the revised standards and imposed penalties accordingly. When negotiations failed, the case proceeded to court. While the trial was ongoing, the company pressured Farag to drop the case. Upon his refusal, it unlawfully terminated his employment, prompting him to file a second police report and another grievance, which was also referred to court.
The labor court issued a prompt decision, ordering the company to repay all unjust deductions and compensate Farag for the damages arising from his dismissal.
The ECESR praised the judiciary’s swift handling of the case, noting the verdict was delivered in less than a year. The center highlighted the importance of this ruling in upholding workers’ rights and deterring unjust practices in the workplace.
