Dubai: Workers will enjoy a long midday break this summer after the Labour Ministry extended it for one more month starting from mid-June to mid-September.
The Ministry of Labour issued yesterday ministerial resolution number 443 for 2010, which enforces the midday break rule.
According to the resolution issued by Saqr Gobash, Minister of Labour, workers at construction sites will have a midday break from 12.30pm to 3pm.
The decision excludes works which require working without a break due to technical reasons.
A list of works to be excluded from the decision will be determined upon the director general of the ministry.
"The midday break extension came after in-depth consultations with the concerned parties to ensure the protection of labourers' rights and not to cause damage to the interests of employer," Gobash said.
"We are always keen to discuss with our partners differences and opinions on our future plans. These discussions help us in issuing our decisions and implementation [of] the necessary mechanisms," he added.
"There has been positive feedback in regard to the rule from the concerned parties, and especially contracting organisations in the country. This reflects the growing awareness of companies' social responsibility towards it workers," he said.
The decision also includes the employer announcing the working hours in both Arabic and the language the workers would understand.
If work has to be continued, the decision also underlines supplying the workers with cold water, lemons, salt and salads during those hours.
The employer should also ensure that the workers abide by work safety and health regulations and ensure the availability of first aid treatment at work sites.
The employer must also supply umbrellas and artificial cooling methods.
