Implement the law
I commend the UAE Government's initiative in giving a four-hour break to all labourers working in the scorching sun (Gulf News, June 29).
When I first read the news, I immediately told my roommate about it as we always see labourers stealing a nap just right below Interchange 3.
We hope the authorities will really implement this law.
And for those selfish people and contractors who are against this rule, why don't they try to stand in the sun for hours, just like these labourers do, to have a changed heart.
From Mr C. Vargas
Dubai
End the exploitation
It is a great decision by Dr Ali Bin Abdullah Al Ka'abi, Minister of Labour and Social Affairs, to allow workers toiling in the sun to rest between 12.30 pm and 4.30 pm.
And down with contractors' utter disdain and lack of concern for their workers.
Many workers fall to their deaths from heat exhaustion and sunstroke.
Some contractors treat them inhumanely, squeezing every drop of sweat, depriving them of their basic human rights.
They are unpaid for months and housed in pathetic conditions. I hope this rule is strictly enforced.
From A Reader
Sharjah
Name withheld by request
Work timings
Dr Al Ka'abi's ruling for labourers to have an afternoon break is timely. No arguments against the decision will hold good.
Workers are obligated to work 8 hours a day. These hours can be conveniently spread across to less hot times of the day.
For example, they can start working from 5.30 am to 12.30 pm including a one hour break, and then from 4.30 pm to 6.30 pm to complete the 8-hour duty.
Overtime, if required by the employer and accepted voluntarily by the employee, can be done at the legal limit of two hours a day.
From Mr S. Singh
Dubai
Inspection a must
The decision taken by the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs will not be fruitful unless it is forcefully imposed by labour inspectors.
Even certified safety officers of contractors are not able to formulate new working schedules as they are not empowered to act against companies' wishes.
From A Reader
Abu Dhabi
Name withheld by request
Follow the golden rule
I appreciate the concern of the UAE Government for labourers. But I feel sad about the comments by some residents.
People should appreciate the work done by the ministry. The climate outside is hot and not suitable for work.
How can people think of their own comfort at the expense of other human beings? Is it humane to think so?
From A Reader
Dubai
Name withheld by request
Wild instinct
If Salah Al Qaiwani, head of Dubai Municipality investment section, would like to "give something to society" with the dolphinarium project (Gulf News, June 28) then he should give something to Dubai's existing and shameful zoo.
Why spend on another captive wild animal project when Dubai Zoo's animals cook all summer in their cramped concrete cages?
How symbolic that July 4 is World Day for Captive Dolphins - a day to raise global awareness to the plight of dolphins and whales suffering in captivity.
But Dubai Municipality and Christopher Richardson, general manager of Royal Segrex, think they know better.
From A Reader
Abu Dhabi
Name withheld by request
Mismatch
The former Indian cricket captain, Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi, is in the eye of a storm for having hunted a blackbuck - trying to ward off a 7-year prison term.
I don't mean to belittle the cause of the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (Peta) or the prosecutors, but a 7-year sentence is like asking for too much for an animal whose average life span is 10-12 years!
Let us give him the benefit of the doubt.
Fact is, he does come from an erstwhile royal line-up and game sport was part of the "must-do" things.
From Mr A. Prashant
Dubai
Then and now
Is this the effect of progress? Three years ago, I requested for a telephone line and I got the connection the next day.
Now, I requested for a transfer of my telephone number.
The first appointment was given to me after nine days, then the survey was made after another seven days.
Three days later, I was informed I will get the connection after three weeks. Now that period is also over.
What is there that I can I do? I give up!
From Mr N. Usmani
Dubai
Editor's note:
This letter, received on May 26, was sent to the management of Etisalat for comment but despite repeated reminders, no response was received.
Blind date
According to the Dubai Summer Surprises daily calendar (Gulf News, Business section, June 29), the closing ceremony for the Flower Surprises week at the Ibn Battuta Mall was on June 29, but the performers started parading at 6.30 pm (not 5 pm as published), and did not perform.
We went to BurJuman for the opening ceremony of the Sweet Surprises week the same night (as reported), but in fact it was scheduled for June 30.
On June 27, there should have been Origami Flowers Workshop and Best Perfume Contest at Hamarain Centre (as calendared), but nothing happened.
We don't expect such inaccurate reporting from Gulf News.
From Mr and Mrs Gupta
Sharjah
Editor's note:
We apologise for the inconvenience it may have caused you. However, the organiser provides the information to us and the schedules are correct at the time of going to press.
