UAE to review wages of construction workers

Faced with increasing number of strikes by foreign workers, mainly calling for salary hikes, the UAE cabinet on Sunday asked the Labour Ministry to collaborate with construction companies to prepare proposals on the issue of salaries of workers in the construction sector.

Last week, around 4,500 Indian workers went on a strike calling for increased salaries, in view of the rising cost of living in the country. Initially, the authorities wanted to deport all the workers involved in the strike, but later following timely intervention by the Indian diplomats, only 90 Indian workers were charged for indulging in violence.

Sources said strikes are on in three more companies, including one where 20,000 Indian workers are involved.

UAE Labour Ministry Assistant Under-Secretary, Humaid bin Deemas told the Emirates news agency that his ministry will meet the relevant companies within the next few days to prepare a study to ensure the rights and interests of the workers. Measures to end any form of violation of the law will be ensured, Deemas said. He maintained that all workers must receive full wages without any deductions.