New workers to replace protesting staff

Dubai: Labourers will be hired to replace protesting workers who fail to return to work today, said the owner of a company whose workers rioted on Wednesday night to demand better wages and conditions.

Mohammad Mubarak, owner of Al Ahmadiya Contracting and Trade, said the labour ministry allowed him to "hire workers locally, if necessary, to continue work". Thousands of labourers refused to work on Thursday, following a protest on Wednesday night at their construction site at Dubai Marina. Friday is their holiday.

Mubarak said "foreign workers" also incited the men. The company has identified 40 to 50 workers who incited the protest and will institute proceedings for damages, he said.

B.S. Mubarak from the Indian Consulate, who met the workers on Thursday, could not confirm whether they will return to work.

Dr Ali Bin Abdullah Al Ka'abi, Minister of Labour, said labour protests have taken a dangerous turn and the UAE will deport any worker who violates the law. He told Al Khaleej in a report published yesterday there are only three valid reasons for labour protests: late payment of salaries, bad housing, and unhealthy working conditions or lack of health insurance.

The minister said workers must honour their contractual obligations, while stressing that the UAE's security is non-negotiable.