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High-level push for labour reforms in UAE Gulf Round-up

DUBAI: Within days of a violent protest for higher wages, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) government has urged construction companies to review the salaries for blue collar workers.

The official news agency WAM reports that the UAE Cabinet has asked the construction companies to issue new proposals on salaries “as a matter of urgency.”

Labour Ministry assistant under-secretary, Humaid bin Deemas says a detailed study will be carried out in the next few days “to ensure that the rights and interests of workers and owners of the companies for which they work are equally protected.” He points out that the Labour Ministry “strongly insists” that all workers must receive full wages without any deductions. The practice of withholding wages by some companies will not be tolerated, he says.

The UAE government’s directive has come after more than 2,000 workers had staged protests for higher wages and better facilities near a sprawling labour camp next to the giant Jebel Ali port last month.

Apart from wages, the official says the Ministry will issue a “uniform set of standards” on housing facilities for workers. Bin Demas says some companies provide sub-standard housing facilities for workers, violating the existing specifications.

Consequently, the Ministry will tie up with the relevant local agencies and intensify inspections of complexes where the workers reside.

However, bin Deemas says the government will not tolerate violence or vandalism by workers who wish to seek redressal of their problems. “The Ministry of Labour underlines the importance of making a clear distinction between workers demanding their rights in a peaceful manner and the acts of riots and vandalism which have occurred in some cases.”

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