Over 200 ETA-Ascon workers deported for agitation in Dubai

Dubai, March 12 (UNI) More than 200 workers of the Indian-owned construction giant ETA-Ascon here will be deported to receive a lifetime ban for destroying company buses and hurting their manager at the labour accommodation, a Ministry of Labour official said.

The official said the workers had crossed the line by indulging in violence and offered 250 work permits to the company free of charge to replace the deported workers.

On Saturday, the workers protested demanding an increase in their basic pay and annual leave with an air ticket, the Gulf News reported. They earn an average of Dh 550-650 with many complaining that they never got a raise in decades.

They continued the protest yesterday, which turned violent. About 8,000 workers went back to work after the rampage.

The company agreed to increase Dh 2 per day on their basic salary and pay a two-way airfare when they go on leave every two years.

The Indian consulate said it was in talks with the company.

UNI