Dubai: The UAE needs to celebrate May Day, workers said, if only to get a day off to rest.
Yesterday was International Labour Day, also known as May Day. It is celebrated in many countries to honour the role workers play in society.
"I need rest," said a hairdresser who works 12 hours a day, with only a brief lunch break, for Dh1,200 a month.
"I work seven days a week, with only Friday morning off. We work 9am to 9pm, and lunch is very quick. I would like to rest on May Day, even though I love my job."
A cleaner who works 10 hours a day for Dh570 a month, said May Day was special. "It's a day for us, for workers."
The Filipina said she was frustrated with authorities, because while they had "made progress" on delayed salaries, other abuses were left unattended.
"Salaries are very low, and we are cheated. They give us different contracts from the ones we sign at home."
A real estate agent who works about nine hours a day for Dh7,000 a month said celebrating May Day was important.
"If it was celebrated here, like it is in India, we could exchange experiences and solutions to problems that emerge with other colleagues. We can learn from each other and enhance our performance."
Labour Ministry officials declined to comment.
