ABU DHABI // Most of the 61 violations of the midday break rule found so far in Dubai have been minor, officials said yesterday.
From July 1, when the rule took effect, to last Monday, the Permanent Committee for Labour Affairs in Dubai inspected 2,399 facilities, meaning 2.5 per cent were found offending.
Labour law requires companies to provide a well-ventilated shelter for rest between 12.30pm and 3pm, when temperatures are highest.
"The violations were minor. And sometimes it wasn't the company forcing the labourers to work during the break - some workers don't really understand what the break is or its significance," said Major Gen Mohamed al Marri, the chairman of the committee.
"That's why the committee exists. The main goal is to explain to the labourers about the break and the benefits of not working under the sun during that time."
He said that if, when the inspectors visit a site, they see anyone working during break time they take pictures and speak to the foreman. Then they send a report to the Ministry of Labour.
Major Gen al Marri said it is up to the ministry to decide what penalties the companies will face and whether their names will be announced. Moreover, some facilities are exempt from the break in certain situations.
"For example, if the contractor starts pouring cement, they can't stop until they finish," he said. "So in this case the ministry might excuse them, or they could already have special permits from the ministry."
The inspections will continue until the end of August.
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Creator: Jenna Lamia
Rating: 3/5
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Founder: Ahmed Wadi
Launched: 2016
Employees: 76
Financing stage: Series A ($4 million)
Investors: Partech, Sawari Ventures, 500 Startups, Dubai Angel Investors, Phoenician Fund
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UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FIXTURES
All kick-off times 10.45pm UAE ( 4 GMT) unless stated
Tuesday
Sevilla v Maribor
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Wednesday
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Qarabag v Roma (8pm)
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Pay varies significantly depending on the school, its rating and the curriculum. Here's a rough guide as of January 2021:
- top end schools tend to pay Dh16,000-17,000 a month - plus a monthly housing allowance of up to Dh6,000. These tend to be British curriculum schools rated 'outstanding' or 'very good', followed by American schools
- average salary across curriculums and skill levels is about Dh10,000, recruiters say
- it is becoming more common for schools to provide accommodation, sometimes in an apartment block with other teachers, rather than hand teachers a cash housing allowance
- some strong performing schools have cut back on salaries since the pandemic began, sometimes offering Dh16,000 including the housing allowance, which reflects the slump in rental costs, and sheer demand for jobs
- maths and science teachers are most in demand and some schools will pay up to Dh3,000 more than other teachers in recognition of their technical skills
- at the other end of the market, teachers in some Indian schools, where fees are lower and competition among applicants is intense, can be paid as low as Dh3,000 per month
- in Indian schools, it has also become common for teachers to share residential accommodation, living in a block with colleagues
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MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League, last 16, first leg
Ajax v Real Madrid, midnight (Thursday), BeIN Sports