UAE Cabinet orders wage revision for workers

Dubai, Nov 5 (UNI) The UAE Cabinet has asked the Ministry of Labour (MoL) to review the salaries of workers and prepare a proposal in response to increasing incidence of labour unrest over poor pay and working conditions across several emirates.

The review will be undertaken in consultation with the construction companies, MoL's Assistant Under-Secretary Humaid bin Deemas said, adding that no timeline has been fixed to submit the proposals.

The review is expected to start with immediate effect, Bin Deemas was quoted by Khaleej Times as saying.

''We cannot say when the proposals would be ready,'' he said.

The MoL officials, he said, will meet the relevant companies in the next few days to conduct the study that is aimed at protecting the rights of both workers and employers.

However, he did not disclose the names of the companies the MoL is planning to consult with.

''The MoL is committed to protecting the rights of workers as well as companies. It is also committed to taking necessary measures to bring an end to any form of violation of the law in this regard,'' Mr Deemas said.

Stating that any arbitrary salary deduction is a violation of the labour law, he said the MoL strongly insists all workers must receive full wages without any deductions, for whatever reason.

''The MoL totally rejects the excuses being given by some companies for their practice of withholding wages,'' he added.

The MoL, in collaboration with the relevant local agencies, would intensify inspections of workers' accommodation.

''Some of the housing facilities being provided to workers are sub-standard and do not meet the conditions and specifications laid down by the laws of the state,'' Mr Deemas said.

Explaining the MoL stand vis a vis labour protests, Bin Deemas said the ministry has made a clear distinction between pressing demands in a peaceful manner and the acts of riots and vandalism which have occurred in some cases.

Meanwhile, the Indian mission and the companies welcomed the move describing it as ''constructive''.

''We are looking forward to see the results of the study.

The rising cost of living in the country is a known factor.

Hence, this is a right move and we welcome it,'' Indian Consul-General in Dubai Venu Rajamony said.

UNI