Dubai: Swift action by Dubai Police and the Ministry of Labour resolved a protest by construction workers who gathered near Dubai Mall to demand for over-time wages on Tuesday morning.
The labourers, employed by Arabian Construction Company (ACC), had gathered near the mall during rush hour.
Major General Khamis Mattar Al Mazeina, Dubai Police Chief, said they solved the issue in less than an hour. The workers were promised that their demands will be carefully considered.
The police chief said the UAE’s labour laws are clear and protect worker’s rights and that the required procedures will be taken within the legal framework.
Al Mazeina said Dubai Police presence at the scene was a standard precautionary measure to maintain order and ensure public safety, including that of the workers.
The situation was settled in a professional and civilised manner, he said.
An official of the Ministry of Labour, however, said the labourer’s demands did not comply with the law.
Overtime
“Once we received information on the protests, we began investigating whether the company was late in paying its employees’ wages,” said Eisa Abdul Rahim Al Zarouni, Director of Inspection Department at the Ministry of Labour.
“The protesting group had miscalculated how much they were owed in overtime,” added Al Zarouni.
Al Zarouni said police and ministry officials met spokespersons of the protesting group to discuss the matter.
“The group was demanding pay raises, as well as four hours of overtime pay. But their requests did not comply with the law. Only two hours of overtime can be logged in daily unless it is a company-specified emergency.”
He said the labourers’ monthly wages adhered to their contracts.
“We also investigated their living conditions and found that they were in accordance with the standards and regulations of the ministry. In addition, they have a doctor in the premises, as well as all the necessities to cook food. Daily transportation is also available to and fro the work site,” he said.
A spokesperson from Emaar said: “We have clear guidelines for our contractors to ensure that they follow industry best practices. We have stipulated strict measures in terms of health, safety and worker conditions that not only comply with the UAE government regulations but also to international standards in the construction industry. Emaar is taking this matter seriously and have highlighted the incident to the senior management of the contractors to ensure that matters are resolved at the earliest possible.”
ACC officials were not available for comment.
