May 3, 2006

Of late, there has been heightened awareness and concern about labour issues among the authorities, the media and society. The government has, in fact, taken steps to address the problems facing expatriate labourers.

There is also talk of a legally-stipulated minimum wage for labourers. On May 1, we asked our readers, "Do you think there should be a minimum wage for workers? Why?". We received several letters in response. We publish here a selection. For more letters on the subject, log on to http://www.gulfnews.com/nation/
Employment/10036863.html

A basic right
A decent minimum wage is the right of every worker, just as a person has the right to live. The workers are not looking to make a fortune here. The salary is for them to meet their basic needs. Poverty-stricken workers living in pathetic conditions are constructing crystal towers for us.

It is time we woke up to their misery and uplift their standard of living to a level where they can survive like normal human beings. Keeping in view the inflation, the minimum wage should be at least Dh1,000 per month along with decent food, accommodation and air-conditioned transport.
From Mr S.M. Umer
Dubai

No savings
Workers ought to be guaranteed a minimum wage. Almost all companies have increased the salaries of their staff, but nobody has spared a thought for the labourers. People come to Dubai to work and save money for their families.

If you can't do that, what is the point in staying away from your family? The minimum salary should be Dh900. There should be eight-hour shifts and the labourers should be entitled to overtime and free accommodation so they can save some money.
From Mr R.A. Qureshi
Dubai

Law for labourers
It is heartbreaking to see these people working under the scorching sun. To protect their interests, there should be a minimum wage law. Such legislation, which is in force in most countries, should be fixed according to the job requirement and cost of living. There should be a labour welfare authority which will ensure that companies adhere to the law.
From Mr B. Kottarathil
Abu Dhabi

Ban sale of visas
Workers pay Dh4,000-Dh8,000 to buy/arrange a visa to the UAE. They arrange the money by selling properties, household ornaments or by taking loans. The companies pay them about Dh600-900 per month.

Of this, they spend Dh300-400 on food and accommodation if these are not provided by the company. Then there are personal expenses. So, a worker is left with no more then Dh200. To recover the cost of visa, a worker will have to work for 42 months. Is it justified?

The minimum wages should be fixed at a minimum of Dh1,500 per month. There should be a complete ban on the sale of visas.
From Mr M. Ismail
Sharjah

For all
There should be legislation assuring minimum wages to all categories of the workforce. There should also be a concrete structure of the basic salary and allowances. This will make all workers feel secure and help the country retain talented workers. Most of them seem inclined to leave the UAE as early as possible.
From Mr A.M. Arif
Dubai

Punish defaulters
There should certainly be a minimum wage for workers. How about Dh1,000 per month? Without their labour, how will the process of development in the UAE continue? The most serious issue is non-payment of wages. If a company fails to pay salaries for three months, it should be slapped with a heavy fine.

If it repeats the offence, the company should lose its right to trade/operate. The authorities only need to implement the penalty a couple of times and all companies will fall in line.
From Mr W.J. Roy
Dubai

Labour welfare body
It is high time the UAE implemented a minimum wages system for organised and unorganised labourers. The government should set up a body comprising officials of the labour ministry, officials of various embassies and labour representatives.

This body should carry out random inspection of workplaces and accommodation of labourers and ensure payment of salaries and proper maintenance of accommodation as stipulated.
From Mr J. Khan
Dubai

Ease their plight
It is high time the authorities took action to ease the plight of labourers and implemented minimum wages for them. The move would curb unscrupulous sponsors and recruiters while guaranteeing abused workers an opportunity to earn decent wages. And it should be nothing less than Dh1,000, considering the prevailing expenses here.
From Mr A. Abraham
Dubai

Pay disparity
All employees should have a minimum wage irrespective of whether they are in the public or the private sector. There should also be mandatory salary increase after one year of service, depending on the performance of the employee.

There is pay disparity in Dubai, wherein some employees draw higher salaries than others for the same job. This is not fair. Further, the domestic workers too should get an opportunity to report their problems.
From Mr M. Nolasco
Dubai

Compensation policy
The government and private sector should set up a standard compensation policy for workers, not only in the UAE but in all countries. Today, we live in a so-called globalised economy wherein rules are authored mainly by institutions such as the WTO, WB, IMF or NAFTA.

They have incorporated "undemocratic" global policy inputs from multi-national corporations while refusing to seek the opinion of common citizens. This needs to be corrected.
From Mr M. Guzman
Dubai

Lucrative no more
Basic needs remain the same irrespective of one's economic strata. Also, inflation and the cost of living prevailing in a country affect everyone, irrespective of their income.

By what percentage have the salaries of the workers gone up over the past 4-5 years? How viable and lucrative is it for a worker to continue working here for Dh400-Dh450 a month?

Is it that we knowingly want to ignore their plight and leave them to be exploited by the employers? The country is fast losing its edge in retaining talent, which is so essential for growth.
From Mr A. Dwivedi
Dubai

Treat equally
The minimum wages should be fixed on the basis of the cost of living in the UAE. The government should adopt a law stipulating that all workers would be treated equally. Both the government and private employees should be treated on par with regard to holidays and other benefits.

There should be a mechanism through which injustices, if any, perpetrated by a company could be brought out.
From Mr H. Roosevelt
Dubai

Pay by the hour
Minimum wages for labourers should be on an hourly basis, say around Dh15/hour. These are the most hardworking people. There ought to be a law, on par with international standards, to help these people.
From A Reader
Dubai
Name withheld by request

A look at wages
What about salaries in the hospitality industry? A 7-star hotel pays Dh800 and so does a 3-star hotel. Some employees get tips, but is that enough to support a family? Housemaids earn Dh400 a month after working for 12-18 hours a day. Or let's take teachers. Their minimum salary is Dh2,000, the same as a driver.
From Mr J. Mendonca
Dubai