Protesting labourers still baulk

Dubai: Thousands of labourers have not decided whether to return to work following a protest on Wednesday night at their construction site in the Dubai Marina, said Mohammad Mubarak, owner of Al Ahmadiya Contracting and Trade.

They smashed company equipment, buses and machinery, he said.

The workers said they were frustrated and wanted better wages - unskilled workers are paid Dh450 a month - and  to cook their own food instead of receiving ready meals by caterers, which they said were not hygienic.

They refused to work on Thursday, and Friday is their holiday.

Mubarak said the Labour Ministry allowed him to "hire workers from the local market, if necessary, to continue work."

Labour law forbids companies from employing workers they do not sponsor, but officials made an exception because "they did not approve of the sabotage these people intend," he said.

"Dubai's economy will not be damaged by these kinds of people."

He said "foreign workers" also incited the men, without providing details. "Why did these men riot two and a half years after beginning work, as the project was nearing completion?"

Another meeting is expected today between government officials, the Indian Consulate and the company to discuss the matter.

Deportation

Mubarak said the company identified 40 to 50 workers who incited the protest and caused most damage.

He could not confirm whether they will be deported, but said the company will take proceedings for damages, which will be assessed by independent surveyors today or tomorrow.

Mubarak said the workers' demands were not reasonable, particularly to cook their own food.

"The Municipality doesn't allow workers to cook in their rooms. We don't have space to set up group kitchens in current accommodation, but we've built a new labour camp with its own kitchen, and the catered food is very good."

B.S. Mubarak, from the Indian Consulate, who met with workers on Thursday, could not confirm whether labourers will return to work.

Workers refused representation, and have asked the Indian Consulate to represent them.