UAE | Employment

Midday rule violators say they were unaware of regulations

Companies flaunting the midday break regulation claimed they were unaware of the implementation of the new rule, said a top official of the Ministry of Labour yesterday.

  • By Sunita Menon, Staff Reporter
  • Published: 23:48 July 30, 2007
  • Gulf News

  • Venu Rajamony (2nd left) with Ahmad M. Kajoor (2nd right) presents posters to Adnan A. Othman Al Saggaf (left) and M. Kamarajan of ETA-Ascon.
  • Image Credit: Asghar Khan/Gulf News

Dubai: Companies flaunting the midday break regulation claimed they were unaware of the implementation of the new rule, said a top official of the Ministry of Labour yesterday.

Ahmad M. Kajour, assistant undersecretary in the Ministry of Labour, said so far the midday break violation is about 10 per cent in comparison to 30-40 per cent last year.

Kajour was speaking at the Indian consulate on the launch of a poster campaign to educate workers on how to protect themselves from sunstroke.

The posters are prepared in the consulate in collaboration with the Association of Kerala Medical Graduates. Over 1,000 posters in each language and 2,000 flyers in Malayalam, Tamil, English and Hindi will be distributed among workers.

Close watch

Dr Ali Bin Abdullah Al Ka'abi, Minister of Labour, in an earlier interview had said that the midday break at worksites was initiated in line with the UAE's labour law and ministerial decision no. 408 which stipulates a break from 12.30 to 3pm during July and August. The mandatory rule came into effect from July 1.

The event was also attended by company representatives from ETA-Ascon and Al Ahmadiah.

"The ministry is keeping a close watch on violators. We want the companies to educate their workers on the importance of the mid-day break. Workers are often found standing outside in the sun during their midday breaks. They should be asked to stay in the shade," said Kajour.

"The posters will be distributed to all companies and labour accommodation," he added.

Venu Rajamony, Indian consul general, said the posters are a result of the emphasis on the midday break by Dr Al Ka'abi.

He said: "The minister had also urged the consulates and embassies to make their respective workers aware of the midday break. We decided to respond to his call.

"We will reach out to all major companies. The assistant undersecretary of labour has agreed to provide the consulate with the list of company representatives for the distribution of these posters."

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