A Dubai employee welfare advocate has embraced the power of social media to offer support to thousands of blue-collar workers.
Abdulla Lashkari, secretary general of the Permanent Committee for Labour Affairs, has become an online hit thanks to his TikTok videos and live streams on labour issues, which have racked up millions of views.
The interactive approach is part of a broader outreach scheme operated by the PCLA, a body that aims to bolster the well-being of workers and widen understanding of their legal rights.
Mr Lashkari speaks in Urdu during his talks, which are also broadcast on Instagram, with 13,000 tuning in on Saturday when he spoke about the committee's role in helping workers.
A video in May in which he answered questions about how people can seek assistance with workplace complaints has been viewed 5.8 million times.
Another that stressed the importance of abiding by safety measures at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic amassed more than two million views.
Mr Lashkari said he is always ready to offer a helping hand to employees seeking advice.
“I’m not only available on TikTok, but also have a mobile phone number dedicated to answer calls, text and WhatsApp messages from workers,” he said.
“There are other channels on social media, landlines and also my office is always open for workers to come and ask for help or inquire about anything.”
Mr Lashkari has developed a keen following for his efforts to educate and enlighten blue-collar workers on their rights.
Mohamad Adeel, a delivery rider for Careem, said the PCLA's TikTok platform was a valuable resource.
“I always follow it and get answers to my questions or those of friends of mine,” said the 28-year-old, from Pakistan.
“I watch all of Mr Abdulla’s videos. He goes by the name ‘angel for workers’ or 'star of Dubai among workers'.”
Before he joined Careem four years ago, he worked in the construction industry and said he knew nothing about the law.
“Only when I approached the committee through its TikTok and other channels that I became aware of laws, my rights and where to go if faced by a problem.”
Faiz Rasool, 26, from Pakistan, worked in a car repair shop for four years. He turned to the PCLA for help when he had trouble renewing his visa.
“They helped me and a roommate of mine who faced the same problem,” he said.
“Its not only information they give us ― which important ― but they make us feel visible, appreciated and part of the community,” Mr Rasool said.
Helping workers to know their rights
The PCLA holds events for labourers, from sports competitions and free medical services to social activities and regular awareness campaigns about labour regulations and their legal entitlements.
“We succeeded in reaching out to more than 400,000 workers, but this is an ongoing process,” said Maj Gen Obaid Muhair bin Suroor, head of the PCLA.
The committee partners with police, the courts, municipality teams and the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, among others.
“We follow all aspects related to workers lives, including inspections on accommodations to make sure they meet standards,” Mr bin Suroor said.
The committee acts as a mediator to resolve disputes between employers and employees.
“We have been able to resolve the majority of disputes we dealt with,” he said.
"In addition to addressing their problems we educate them about UAE culture, labour and immigration laws, regulations, health and safety."
Day 3, Dubai Test: At a glance
Moment of the day Lahiru Gamage, the Sri Lanka pace bowler, has had to play a lot of cricket to earn a shot at the top level. The 29-year-old debutant first played a first-class game 11 years ago. His first Test wicket was one to savour, bowling Pakistan opener Shan Masood through the gate. It set the rot in motion for Pakistan’s batting.
Stat of the day – 73 Haris Sohail took 73 balls to hit a boundary. Which is a peculiar quirk, given the aggressive intent he showed from the off. Pakistan’s batsmen were implored to attack Rangana Herath after their implosion against his left-arm spin in Abu Dhabi. Haris did his best to oblige, smacking the second ball he faced for a huge straight six.
The verdict One year ago, when Pakistan played their first day-night Test at this ground, they held a 222-run lead over West Indies on first innings. The away side still pushed their hosts relatively close on the final night. With the opposite almost exactly the case this time around, Pakistan still have to hope they can salvage a win from somewhere.
Stage results
1. Julian Alaphilippe (FRA) Deceuninck-QuickStep 4:39:05
2. Michael Matthews (AUS) Team BikeExchange 0:00:08
3. Primoz Roglic (SLV) Jumbo-Visma same time
4. Jack Haig (AUS) Bahrain Victorious s.t
5. Wilco Kelderman (NED) Bora-Hansgrohe s.t
6. Tadej Pogacar (SLV) UAE Team Emirates s.t
7. David Gaudu (FRA) Groupama-FDJ s.t
8. Sergio Higuita Garcia (COL) EF Education-Nippo s.t
9. Bauke Mollema (NED) Trek-Segafredo s.t
10. Geraint Thomas (GBR) Ineos Grenadiers s.t
Specs
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Where to apply
Applicants should send their completed applications - CV, covering letter, sample(s) of your work, letter of recommendation - to Nick March, Assistant Editor in Chief at The National and UAE programme administrator for the Rosalynn Carter Fellowships for Mental Health Journalism, by 5pm on April 30, 2020.
Please send applications to nmarch@thenational.ae and please mark the subject line as “Rosalynn Carter Fellowship for Mental Health Journalism (UAE programme application)”.
The local advisory board will consider all applications and will interview a short list of candidates in Abu Dhabi in June 2020. Successful candidates will be informed before July 30, 2020.
TO A LAND UNKNOWN
Director: Mahdi Fleifel
Starring: Mahmoud Bakri, Aram Sabbah, Mohammad Alsurafa
Rating: 4.5/5
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Kumulus Water
Started: 2021
Founders: Iheb Triki and Mohamed Ali Abid
Based: Tunisia
Sector: Water technology
Number of staff: 22
Investment raised: $4 million
If you go
The flights
There are direct flights from Dubai to Sofia with FlyDubai (www.flydubai.com) and Wizz Air (www.wizzair.com), from Dh1,164 and Dh822 return including taxes, respectively.
The trip
Plovdiv is 150km from Sofia, with an hourly bus service taking around 2 hours and costing $16 (Dh58). The Rhodopes can be reached from Sofia in between 2-4hours.
The trip was organised by Bulguides (www.bulguides.com), which organises guided trips throughout Bulgaria. Guiding, accommodation, food and transfers from Plovdiv to the mountains and back costs around 170 USD for a four-day, three-night trip.
SPECS
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The specs: 2018 Maserati Levante S
Price, base / as tested: Dh409,000 / Dh467,000
Engine: 3.0-litre V6
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Power: 430hp @ 5,750rpm
Torque: 580Nm @ 4,500rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 10.9L / 100km
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UAE squad
Esha Oza (captain), Al Maseera Jahangir, Emily Thomas, Heena Hotchandani, Indhuja Nandakumar, Katie Thompson, Lavanya Keny, Mehak Thakur, Michelle Botha, Rinitha Rajith, Samaira Dharnidharka, Siya Gokhale, Sashikala Silva, Suraksha Kotte, Theertha Satish (wicketkeeper) Udeni Kuruppuarachchige, Vaishnave Mahesh.
UAE tour of Zimbabwe
All matches in Bulawayo
Friday, Sept 26 – First ODI
Sunday, Sept 28 – Second ODI
Tuesday, Sept 30 – Third ODI
Thursday, Oct 2 – Fourth ODI
Sunday, Oct 5 – First T20I
Monday, Oct 6 – Second T20I
More from Neighbourhood Watch
Specs
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Range: Up to 610km
Power: 905hp
Torque: 985Nm
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The five pillars of Islam
Our family matters legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
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