Hmmm
Posted by BobTheBuilder, Dubai, U.A.E. on 9 September 2009 at 04:39 UAE time

This sort of topic is always divisive, as someone inevitably takes it too far.
Reality was talking sense right up until he says "I assume..." in some of the statements that follow, one can be offended. (Note, I'm from London and have seen houses on a par with a camp in terms of cleanliness, with Kerry Katona look-a-likes coming out from them - so it's best not to over generalise really.)

Nevertheless "Reality" does have a point.

I have had the dubious pleasure of spending 6 months in a labour camp in Jebel Ali - behind the church complex. It was pretty clean (as clean as sand and aggregate can be) where the office staff lived, while not so clean where the labourers lived; rubbish, food, clothing, shoes all over the place. Its not even as if there were not enough bins, there were, they were emptied daily too.

Granted there are more labourers per room, (I was on my own and had my own bathroom, while your typical labourer is one of 8 to a room and has to go to a shower block to wash.) but can that really be the only reason?

Yorkshire does make the point of the paltry sums your average labourer makes, which would have something to do with it - boredom and an inability to go out lead me to be pretty lax about the general tidiness when I was younger - these guys are mostly in their early 20's and so I guess would be doing something different "back home".

But to ignore the fact that they actually made the mess themselves (in the case of where I was) is to not address the entire issue. Yes, there are unscrupulous companies out there who cut corners everywhere - they should be named and shamed, fined and made to put their camps right on pain of more fines. However, don't ignore either, the minority like "Reality" who (say they) have done things correctly.

Reality
Posted by Reality on 8 September 2009 at 16:04 UAE time

What's my place ? and what is disgusting ?? I am only pointing out my personal experiences, these are not my opinions merely a relaying of what I have seen and not seen. Be offended if you wish but don't confuse observations of reality with ignorance. These are facts not opinions. Do something about it or get over it and move on.

Reality
Posted by Zafar Abbas, Canada on 8 September 2009 at 13:37 UAE time

Yorksire comments from Yorkshire UK are commenable. He has rightly put the writer in his place. the article was disgussting, the wrire seems to be an ignorant person who has been given an opportunity to be journalist by Arabian business.

Response to reality
Posted by Yorkshire, Yorkshire, UK on 8 September 2009 at 09:43 UAE time

My respected 'Reality',

I think someone needs a reality check (pardon the pun). As a British citizen and of Pakistani ethnicity i think great offence in your comment that "I have not been in any pakistani households in Burnley Lancs. but I can imagine similar conditions". I found this to be a very provocative and racist expression.

Secondly, did you provide the workers with clearning apparatus and appliances to keep the area clean? or did you expect them to pay it out of the meagre salary you most likely paid them.

Thirdly, Yes they're earning more than they would at home, but they dont live at home. They are living in Dubai, where their paltry $150 wont buy them a slap in the face let alone feeding their families at home.
I find it extremely distasteful and highly irritating that one man can look at another with such disgust.

Have mercy on others and you will have mercy on you.

labour camps
Posted by Reality on 7 September 2009 at 12:21 UAE time

I had a company up until I sold it last year. I had a camp for 200 workers who despite my every effort kept it filthy. When they moved in it was clean and freshly painted within 2 weeks it was dirty and full of rubbish. Unless I personally supervised its condition it was terrible and kept that way by its inhabitants, I assume they were happy to live like that, it was their norm. How did they live in their homeland ? I have not been in any pakistani households in Burnley Lancs. but I can imagine similar conditions. In your survey were the respondents jumeirah jayne's or labourers ?

Arabian Business survey found that 53 percent of respondents thought labour camp conditions were dreadful
Posted by Dilip Paranjape, Dubai, UAE on 7 September 2009 at 08:35 UAE time

I would like to share my view on the labour camp condition. I am having following to be considered before any aligation to any company management about the labour camp condition.

1. In part of the Employer (Company)
1.1 The camp should not be cramped and or shabby condition.
1.2 There should be enough water and electricity available (I mean enough to too much).
1.3 Cleaning should take place day to day basis.

2. In part of the Employeee (Labour / worker)
2.1 The camp should not be cramped and or shabby condition by keeping unnecessary belonging in the room and camp.
2.2 They should use required water and electricity available (I mean real required to too much, I have seen irons, TV's etc is on even nobody in the room).
2.3 Cleaning is normally takes place day to day basis, but I have seen the habit of cooking accessive food or habit of taking extra food from the company canteen while eating and finally throwing the same in garbage bins late in night which bring unhygenic smale condition to the camp.

It is not only the reponsibility of provider but also the user of the service keep environment clean and healthy.

How many people..
Posted by Simona, Dubai, UAE on 7 September 2009 at 08:23 UAE time

...actually bother to go see the labour camps? It's all very well caring from afar, but few of these 'enlightened expats' visit the labour camps, contribute to the labourers well being and actually give a damn in any practical way. If so many people care, let's go along and give handouts at the labour camps. We could also demand ethical housing, where contractors only employ labourers paid a good wage. Why is it not happening? Because talk is cheap, action is not...