People need rest breaks through the year
With casual leave policies on the decline in most companies and educational institutions, employees are forced to take sick leave (‘E-sick leave verification system launched in Abu Dhabi’, Gulf News, December 4). Sometimes even though there are no apparent symptoms of being physically sick, employees suffer from weariness, mental exhaustion and fatigue. At this time, what employees need is rest days. One day’s leave is sure to rejuvenate, refresh and recharge the batteries. Since employees can avail no other form of leave, they may pretend to be sick. There are a few who may be frequently pretending about their non-existent sickness, but the fact remains that most of them are genuine.
From Ms Jayashree Kulkarni
Abu Dhabi
Facebook comment
Taking sick days
This is needed as there are a lot of people that take advantage of the current system. They get away with having long weekends and more free days because they fake being sick. We can’t let this continue because it makes co-workers resentful towards each other. Being fair is important. However, if someone is able to present legitimate sick notes for an illness, this should not be held against them. I don’t agree with fellow employees having hard feelings because when they get sick with a bad flu, they remain in the office and tough it out, while another understands the need to rest and get better (and probably recover faster) by staying home. There’s nothing wrong with taking a sick day when you are sick and no one should be made to feel guilty for it.
From Mr Mohammad Younis
UAE
Facebook comment
Helping out staff
I worked at a company in France, where sick days were referred to as ‘personal days’. This allowed employees to take a day of rest when it was needed or to take a personal day to run errands on a week day. It was a great display of how a company can truly accommodate its staff without them getting into trouble for lying about a sick day.
From Ms Saira Rezec
UAE
Facebook comment
Providing economic rights
Economic inequality can be resolved by providing economic rights for every individual in the society working in different economic sectors and by investing in all economic sectors as needed (‘Is this the most dangerous time for our planet?’, Gulf News, December 4). Unfortunately, this isn’t happening.
From Mr Mohammad Zia Al Deen
UAE
Facebook comment
Bold and strict policies
Leadership plays an important role for a country’s progress (‘Facebook debate: What defines a good leader of a nation?’, Gulf News, December 4). In policies, strict principles and boldness are the main qualities for improving a country. The former Cuban president Fidel Castro was known for his revolutionary policies and the welfare of his people and their progress. That is one of the reasons he could win over the people’s hearts for nearly five decades. His courage and determination against the Americans was laudable for many. Today he is talked about by all his people because of his policies.
From Mr K. Ragavan
Bengaluru, India
The people loved Castro
I was in the US when Fidel Castro’s death was announced on television and I was really sad to hear the news. The US media was celebrating his death, but I didn’t see any celebrations on the roads or in New York City. History will remember Castro not only as a true human being who fought against imperialism, but also stood for justice and the wellbeing of Cuba for all these years under the communist rule.
Even though Castro’s ashes were returned to his homeland, still he is a hero in the minds of thousands of people across the world. Castro was termed as an icon for the oppressed throughout the world.
After the cold war and collapse of the Soviet Union, Castro’s government had to face a lot of political and economic crises, but managed to hold Cuba together under the red umbrella. It is said that he has survived more than 600 assassination plots. It is the will and solidarity of the people towards communism that still exists in Cuba.
From Mr Eappen Elias
Dubai
Animals aren’t for our amusement
Actress Maisie Williams is right about boycotting dolphin shows (‘Maisie Williams: Stop going to dolphin shows’, Gulf News, December 3). Anyone who actually cares about them would never go and see them in a show. The only way they should ever be viewed is in their natural environment. Seeing dolphins in person is not a human right. If you can’t afford to see them in the wild then watch them on television. Breeding them in captivity is wrong. It should be stopped. Animals weren’t put here for people’s amusement.
From Mr Garry Dow
UAE
Facebook comment
Shaming others
I don’t agree with you. So, people who are unable to see them due to economic, health or other reasons and aren’t able to see dolphins in their natural environment, should be frowned upon for going to these places? Dolphins bred in captivity can’t just be released.
From Mr Myles Sant-Cassia
Oxford, UK
Facebook comment
Protecting dolphins
Williams is right, but they need to be fully protected according to the environment.
From Mr Saqib Naveed
UAE
Facebook comment
No more humanity
There is no humanity left in this world (‘No more room for the dead as Syria’s Aleppo is crushed’, Gulf News, December 5). No values, just the need to show off, succeed financially and move up in society. At what cost? We have lost compassion, humbleness and the most basic human necessity - love!
From Mr Daniel Lobo
UAE
Facebook comment
Praying for them
This is so very distressing and sad, may God bring back peace to Syria and punish the evil who are killing innocent children and people in Syria. May God keep them safe from these inhuman powers. My prayers are with them.
From Ms Jackie Patricia Waqas
UAE
Facebook comment
Policy protecting people
This is a great immigration policy by a small country like Nepal and it will surely help to curb human trafficking (‘Facebook live: Nepalese housemaids start coming to UAE again!’, Gulf News, December 4). The UAE’s vigilant policies are better than European countries to protect the people.
From Mr A. Q. Memon
UAE
Facebook comment
Creating respect on roads
It’s a brilliant idea to fine motorists using drones, especially when there are many drivers who are not respecting other drivers (‘2,000 traffic violations caught by drones in Ajman’, Gulf News, December 4). They drift into lanes and cut you off as if you don’t exist. They don’t even use their signal when passing and you’ll just find them out of nowhere pushing you out of the way.
From Ms Demha Sakr
UAE
Facebook comment
Thinking twice
It’s a fantastic idea and those complaining about more fines, it is only a fine. If you are unable to drive in your lane, unable to stay off the hard shoulder or too busy on your phone or tailgating, maybe you need this wake up call. So if you get a fine, it is your own fault.
From Mr Abdin Ahmad
Dubai
Facebook comment
Stopping violators
Actually, it’s a very nice step. I hope it helps to get traffic more organised. It can also reduce drivers changing lanes without indicating, jumping lanes, wrong turns, the use of mobiles while driving and many other offences.
From Mr Imran Riaz
UAE
Facebook comment
Editor’s note: Is there a news report that you feel strongly about? Something that has to be addressed in the community and requires resolution? Email us on readers@gulfnews.com. You can also post a comment on our Facebook page or tweet to us @GNReaders.
