Row over delayed workers' salaries is resolved

Abu Dhabi: A protest involving construction workers, allegedly over non-payment of salaries for three months, has been resolved, officials have said.

The workers of Thermo LLC protested in Al Sowwah Island on Thursday morning. The protest took place at the Abu Dhabi Financial Centre (ADFC) on the island, located behind the Beach Rotana hotel.

"I have not received my salary for three months. It is the fourth month running. This is not acceptable," said a worker, speaking on condition of anonymity.

At 6am, when construction activities at the site usually begin, the workers, mostly Asian expatriates, gathered outside their on-site office and refused to begin working unless their wages were paid.

Thermo LLC was subcontracted by Oger Abu Dhabi, the main contractor working for government-owned Mubadala, which is in charge of developing the island.

Disappointment

In a statement to Gulf News, Mubadala conveyed its disappointment over the delay in payments.

A company spokesperson told Gulf News: "Mub-adala takes matters like this very seriously and held discussions yesterday morning with all parties to ensure the matter was immediately resolved. We are committed to delivering all its projects in line with the highest standards in the UAE." The official said that the company upheld all its payment obligations to Oger.

"We are disappointed that there was a delay in the payments made to the workers employed by Oger's subcontractor, Thermo."

Strict adherence to payment protocols in future by all stakeholders is being ensured, said the official, adding that all current outstanding payments have now been made.

Thermo General Manager Nabeel Al Mir confirmed that 4,000 were involved in the protest, but said that the real cause was disciplinary warnings issued to some workers.

"Salaries have not been withheld. Some banks took longer to process the salary," Al Mir said.

"We withhold one month's salary as a general practice. It is very common in case of workers and cannot be called a delay in salary."

"Three months' pay is pending for some who have returned from vacation or have been transferred," he said.