500 workers demand salary raise

Dubai: Some 500 workers have stopped working since Sunday demanding a salary increase.

Workers of a construction company protested at their labour accommodation in Sonapur for the second continuous day in demand of a salary increase of Dh300. The current salary for workers ranges between Dh500-700. The workers cited inflation and the devaluation of the dollar as reasons behind their demands.

Illegitimate claims

Maher Al Obaid, head of the investigation unit at the Ministry of Labour, told Gulf News that discussions are underway to reach an amicable settlement between both parties but stated that the workers claims are illegitimate. "To stage a protest in demand of a salary increase is illegitimate as the workers agreed to all conditions before signing the contract, nevertheless we try to always settle any dispute amicably first," said Al Obaid.

The company has agreed to raise the workers salaries by Dh50 but the workers refused to accept this increase, according to Al Obaid.