Court case verdict highlights the importance of protecting workers' rights

Dubai verdict supports workers with grievances and disputes with employers

Volunteers working with the Indian consulate in Dubai hand out food and other provisions to labourers who have not been paid wages. Courtesy: Indian consulate volunteers

In a remarkable test case, about 30 workers owed tens of thousands of dirhams in unpaid wages have won a court hearing in Dubai, with their employers ordered to pay their backdated salaries. With an estimated 700 workers thought to be owed money, the successful outcome of their court case is expected to set a precedent for many more workers to follow suit. Being properly compensated for one's hard work is a basic right for all. Those who work hard to build beautiful towers, leaving their homelands to save money to send home to their families, should be paid on time, as UAE regulations demand, yet some employers still withhold their wages. Treating vulnerable workers in this way is a travesty. It is heartening to see justice at work but their fight is far from over. Many of the 700 workers are still owed up to 18 months in salaries. The repercussions can be devastating as families rely on them for financial support. Meanwhile they have endured extreme hardships while waiting for justice to be done, with some subsisting on as little as Dh5 a day and depending on handouts from friends, charities and embassies. The majority have given up hope altogether. About 400 workers accepted a minimum settlement of Dh3,000 and returned home rather than wait for the unpredictable outcome of a court case.

There is no justification for companies to reduce people who have been working hard for them for years to such dire circumstances. Even after the courts have found in favour of workers, they still have to wait for their payouts. One worker promised eight months' worth of wages in April is still waiting for his Dh42,800 compensation. Yet his victory and those of others like him should encourage more workers to take their grievances to court. They deserve full compensation where there has been wrongdoing. Authorities are increasingly making efforts to render that process more seamless. In January, one-day labour courts were established for disputes for claims of up to Dh20,000. Informing labourers of their rights is also essential for justice to be served. Abu Dhabi Judicial Department is conducting awareness campaigns to that effect to reach 250,000 workers as part of the Year of Tolerance. Most importantly, employers must act responsibly towards people who have worked diligently for years, far from their loved ones. The very least they can do is ensure they are paid on time.