UAE to review constn workers’ wages
Tuesday, 6 November 2007
DUBAI, Nov 5 (PTI): Faced with increasing number of strikes by foreign workers, mainly calling for salary hikes, the UAE cabinet yesterday asked the labour ministry to collaborate with construction companies to prepare proposals on the issue of salaries of workers in the construction sector.
Last week, around 4,500 Indian workers went on a strike calling for increased salaries, in view of rising cost of living in the country.
Initially, the authorities wanted to deport all the workers involved in the strike, but later following timely intervention by the Indian diplomats, only 90 Indian workers were charged for indulging in violence.
Sources told newsmen that strikes are on in three more companies, including one where 20,000 Indian workers are involved.
UAE Labour Ministry Assistant Under-Secretary, Humaid bin Deemas told the Emirates news agency that his ministry will meet with the relevant companies within the next few days to prepare a study which will seek to ensure that the rights and interest of workers and owners of the companies for which they work are equally protected.
"The labour ministry was following with deep concern the protests being made by workers from a number of construction companies in the country and was dealing with the issue in accordance with the due process of law and related procedures," he was quoted as saying by the agency.
Last week, around 4,500 Indian workers went on a strike calling for increased salaries, in view of rising cost of living in the country.
Initially, the authorities wanted to deport all the workers involved in the strike, but later following timely intervention by the Indian diplomats, only 90 Indian workers were charged for indulging in violence.
Sources told newsmen that strikes are on in three more companies, including one where 20,000 Indian workers are involved.
UAE Labour Ministry Assistant Under-Secretary, Humaid bin Deemas told the Emirates news agency that his ministry will meet with the relevant companies within the next few days to prepare a study which will seek to ensure that the rights and interest of workers and owners of the companies for which they work are equally protected.
"The labour ministry was following with deep concern the protests being made by workers from a number of construction companies in the country and was dealing with the issue in accordance with the due process of law and related procedures," he was quoted as saying by the agency.