UAE | Employment
Prospects of pay rise cheer up labourers
A wave of excitement is prevailing among labourers following the news that a pay rise is imminent.
- By Sunita Menon, Staff Reporter
- Published: 00:20 November 29, 2007
Dubai: A wave of excitement is prevailing among labourers following the news that a pay rise is imminent.
There are about 150 major contracting companies in the UAE who have decided to give a 15 to 20 per cent salary increase to their labour force.
Labourers at Jebel Ali and Sonapur labour accommodation said the news had brought them a lot of cheer.
They said the going rate for unskilled workers ranges between Dh350 to Dh550 while the salary for skilled workers ranges between Dh700 to Dh1,200.
"Inflation has hit us. We are not able to send money home and save at the same time. A rise in pay will definitely bring us much needed relief," said a Pakistani labourer who works as a crane operator.
Confirming the salary hike an official from the UAE Contractors' Association yesterday said the decision had been taken by the major contracting companies bearing in mind the devaluation of the dollar and the rising cost of living.
Technicalities
"When and by what per cent the salary should be hiked depends on the individual contracting companies. One important aspect that should not be overlooked is the fact that the contracting companies have priced their contracts based on the old salaries and so the technicalities need to be worked out," added the official.
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