Abu Dhabi: Over 100 taxi drivers visited the Ministry of Labour on Tuesday morning to complain about their working conditions with the newly appointed transportation company Tawasul.
During their visit, the drivers were told that the Labour Department would get back to them within a week about their complaint.
In the meantime, all taxi drivers have been paid their full salary of Dh1,000 by the company after visiting the labour office.
The workers headed to the labour office after attending a meeting held by their company PRO on Monday afternoon. The one-hour meeting was held outdoors despite the hot weather conditions.
Over 100 drivers gathered to talk after the meeting, but dispersed after the police arrived and advised them to report their complaint to the Ministry of Labour.
"Over 60 per cent of our passengers now take the free public bus, since they are workers. We were asked by our company to hand over Dh250 a day and we barely make Dh100. We work up to 20 hours and still can't make that money. Most of us have taken loans from the bank to help pay off our debts," said H.M., a taxi driver.
During the meeting, some of the drivers were asked to relocate to Al Ain.
A spokesperson from Tawasul told Gulf News that they have been contacted by the Chamber of Commerce regarding the taxi drivers working conditions.
"I cannot say much at this point of time, but we are in talks with the Chamber of Commerce and will know shortly what will be happening," the source told Gulf News.
Over 100 drivers gathered to talk after the meeting, but dispersed after the police ... advised them to report their complaint.
