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Discuss this article (14 Comments)Poll shows 65% support minimum wage for labourers
by This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it on Monday, 20 April 2009
MINIMUM WAGE: Two thirds of responders think Gulf's construction workers are under paid and want governments to introduce a minimum wage. (Getty Images)
Two thirds of those responding to an online poll believe construction labourers in the Gulf are badly treated and want governments to bring in a minimum wage.
The survey by Arabian Business found that a resounding 65 percent of more than 500 responders felt very strongly about the bad treatment of construction staff, in the wake of a BBC documentary that went inside Dubai’s labour camps to reveal poor living conditions.
They voted in support of introducing minimum wages for construction staff in a bid to boost their quality of living.
Just four percent of responders to the survey thought the workers, from the poorer parts of India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, China and Vietnam, were well treated and fairly paid.
Another, 10 percent thought workers were well treated once they arrived in the Gulf, but believed problems persisted with recruitment agents in the workers’ home countries, who charged fees to arrange jobs in the region - leaving the workers in debt when they arrive.
This group thought the workers’ home governments should do more to stop this practice.
Meanwhile, 21 percent believed the onus was on employers to improve living conditions for their staff, who they believed were currently poorly treated.
Arabian Business was invited to visit a number of Dubai-based Arabtec’s camps in the wake of the UK TV documentary, which created a wave of debate in Dubai over the image of the emirate in the international press.
A diary of our visit to the camps can be seen here .
READERS' COMMENTS
Disclaimer: The views expressed here by our readers are not necessarily shared by ArabianBusiness.com or its employees.
Minimum wages of labor camp´s workers
Posted by maribel jurado, Sevilla, Spain on Friday 25 September 2009 at 14:06 UAE time
Could anyone tell me how much is the minimum wage for a labor camp worker, and how much of that amount it has to be paid as a the acommodation's rent?
Thank you so much for your help
Posted by maribel jurado, Sevilla, Spain on Friday 25 September 2009 at 14:06 UAE time
Could anyone tell me how much is the minimum wage for a labor camp worker, and how much of that amount it has to be paid as a the acommodation's rent?
Thank you so much for your help
To Ametis re minimum wages
Posted by Carmel, DUBAI, UAE on Wednesday 22 April 2009 at 11:48 UAE time
Apoligies Ametis maybe I came across what seemed in opposition to what you were saying and though a lot of what you have said I agree with totally. Thank you for an insight into what have been life struggles for you and for your role in the cancellation of licences for those who did not do the right thing by workers. I did not read all your postings but the one I responded to and yes I have worked overseas and know what it's like working and living off $300 a month but I chose to do that. Once again I agree with most of what you have said but wages for certain category of workers should not be negotiable. Maybe they can introduce "Collective Bargaining".
I'm gald you mentioned what the Australian Government has done and yes apply it here. That's my home country.
Posted by Carmel, DUBAI, UAE on Wednesday 22 April 2009 at 11:48 UAE time
Apoligies Ametis maybe I came across what seemed in opposition to what you were saying and though a lot of what you have said I agree with totally. Thank you for an insight into what have been life struggles for you and for your role in the cancellation of licences for those who did not do the right thing by workers. I did not read all your postings but the one I responded to and yes I have worked overseas and know what it's like working and living off $300 a month but I chose to do that. Once again I agree with most of what you have said but wages for certain category of workers should not be negotiable. Maybe they can introduce "Collective Bargaining".
I'm gald you mentioned what the Australian Government has done and yes apply it here. That's my home country.
agent fees
Posted by spider on Wednesday 22 April 2009 at 04:34 UAE time
i guess it all because of the high agent fee the worker pays. Its averaging from 8,000 - 13,000 dirhams just for the agent fee. Why the agent collect the fee from the worker ? the employer should absorb all expenses for the worker. OK.. fine.. what happens if the worker terminates his employment in a short period after employer pays all the workers fee? .. To overcome this .. the worker pays all fee and employer should refund the fee to the worker after 6-8 months of employment.
Posted by spider on Wednesday 22 April 2009 at 04:34 UAE time
i guess it all because of the high agent fee the worker pays. Its averaging from 8,000 - 13,000 dirhams just for the agent fee. Why the agent collect the fee from the worker ? the employer should absorb all expenses for the worker. OK.. fine.. what happens if the worker terminates his employment in a short period after employer pays all the workers fee? .. To overcome this .. the worker pays all fee and employer should refund the fee to the worker after 6-8 months of employment.
I second Ametis
Posted by Kaptain, Abu Dhabi, UAE on Tuesday 21 April 2009 at 22:16 UAE time
Visit visas too should have a clause to allow work with them. This happens in Europe and Americas. And seeing the condition of UAE where people are running away, Visit Visas would be amended with work clause.
Mostly, the laws that are promulgated in UAE, take effect in June, so expect something like this. UAE cannot, I repeat CANNOT, afford exodus of EXPATS, hello. Know your dignity.
Rather than fishing, labourers should be educated to share photos and maintain blogs so that construction companies are on their toes, 'everytime' on ethics each single day.
Posted by Kaptain, Abu Dhabi, UAE on Tuesday 21 April 2009 at 22:16 UAE time
Visit visas too should have a clause to allow work with them. This happens in Europe and Americas. And seeing the condition of UAE where people are running away, Visit Visas would be amended with work clause.
Mostly, the laws that are promulgated in UAE, take effect in June, so expect something like this. UAE cannot, I repeat CANNOT, afford exodus of EXPATS, hello. Know your dignity.
Rather than fishing, labourers should be educated to share photos and maintain blogs so that construction companies are on their toes, 'everytime' on ethics each single day.
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