Poll shows 65% support minimum wage for labourers

Posted by: maribel jurado Friday, 25 September 2009 2:06 PM[UAE] - Spain

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: Carmel Wednesday, 22 April 2009 11:48 AM[UAE] - UAE

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: spider Wednesday, 22 April 2009 4:34 AM[UAE]

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: Kaptain Tuesday, 21 April 2009 10:16 PM[UAE] - UAE

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: ametis Tuesday, 21 April 2009 4:57 PM[UAE] - UAE

Carmel, Idont think you are reading what I am writting, but seeing what you want to see.. And if you were to read back all my postings, I am harking on about workers should be treated with dignity.. I stick by my statements concerning salary, and to be honest with you if a man does not know what is the minimum salary he needs to keep his family afloat, without having to take on the burden of additional debt, than he should not take the job on... Yes I have walked in those shoes, have you?? I know the pain of hunger, I know the pain of need, but unless I was kidnapped and taken into slavery I would not willingly take on a debt to travells thousands of miles for a salary that I KNOW will not be sufficient... Many suffered thorugh the potatoe famine without going overseas for more pain... I will again also repeat what I have said in the past, sad thing is that most of these people are put in ths position by their own countrymen out of greed... And when they are in that positiopns sadly no way out, Agents should be regulated by the Governments of relevant countries.. Employers duty is to treat workers with dignity.. Salaries are open for negotiation... To end let me tell you that I have worked in nearly every part of the world, so I do have experience.. While I was living in another GCC country in mid 80's I was responsibble for having commercial licenses of several compnies cancelled for the harsh treatment of workers.. To end I think if UAE governenment is looking at minimum wages, they should perhaps take a leaf out of Australian Government conditions for even temporary working visas, The employer must adhere to a minimum wage...