ABU DHABI // Labour inspectors are now visiting construction sites seven days a week to ensure workers are given their compulsory midday break. Since 2005, all employers have been required to give their construction workers a break from 12.30pm to 3pm every day between July 1 and the end of August. Until this year, however, the inspectors have not worked on Fridays or Saturdays.
Out of 1,827 sites inspected on the past two Saturdays, 19 did not give workers time for a midday rest, according to the Ministry of Labour. The inspectors have visited a total of 11,966 sites this month and issued 163 fines to companies not giving breaks to workers. Three employers turned up at a Ministry of Labour office in Khalifa Park for yesterday's open day, a weekly session held to try to settle labour-related complaints.
They each tried to appeal against a Dh10,000 (US$2,725) fine, representing a first offence for failing to comply with the required break. When Humaid bin Demas, the ministry's acting director general, told a representative from one company that the fine would not be waived, the man took his slip and left without a word. "The message is that we will continue inspection," Mr bin Demas told reporters after the session. "No exceptions were made; everyone who didn't give their workers the break was fined."
Mr bin Demas said the two-member inspection teams had documented each infraction with pictures and interviews, which were then viewed by two committees in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Excuses by employers that they did not know about the rules were not accepted since all companies had been informed a month in advance of the rules, officials said. The ministry has also dispatched teams since the beginning of the month to more than 1,600 sites to stress the need for breaks to prevent dehydration, heat stroke or exhaustion.
The number of ministry inspectors has grown to nearly 400, from 80 in 2006. Sixty of them are working full time to ensure the summer break is upheld. There are strong penalties for violating the regulations. After a first offence, the company is fined and banned from receiving new labour permits for three months. A second offence draws a Dh20,000 fine and a six-month ban and a third a Dh30,000 fine and a one-year ban on new permits.
At the moment, the ministry does not have oversight over workers in free zones, which are overseen by the local authorities, or housemaids, for whom the Interior Ministry is responsible. International observers, including representatives of the International Labour Organisation, have recommended that the Ministry of Labour take responsibility for the entire labour force. mhabboush@thenational.ae
Jetour T1 specs
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- Coastal protection: Reduce erosion and improve water quality
What the law says
Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.
“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.
“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”
If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.
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Sudden change in behaviour or displays higher levels of stress or anxiety
Shows signs of depression or isolation
Ability to sleep well diminishes
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It’ll be summer in the city as car show tries to move with the times
If 2008 was the year that rocked Detroit, 2019 will be when Motor City gives its annual car extravaganza a revamp that aims to move with the times.
A major change is that this week's North American International Auto Show will be the last to be held in January, after which the event will switch to June.
The new date, organisers said, will allow exhibitors to move vehicles and activities outside the Cobo Center's halls and into other city venues, unencumbered by cold January weather, exemplified this week by snow and ice.
In a market in which trends can easily be outpaced beyond one event, the need to do so was probably exacerbated by the decision of Germany's big three carmakers – BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Audi – to skip the auto show this year.
The show has long allowed car enthusiasts to sit behind the wheel of the latest models at the start of the calendar year but a more fluid car market in an online world has made sales less seasonal.
Similarly, everyday technology seems to be catching up on those whose job it is to get behind microphones and try and tempt the visiting public into making a purchase.
Although sparkly announcers clasp iPads and outline the technical gadgetry hidden beneath bonnets, people's obsession with their own smartphones often appeared to offer a more tempting distraction.
“It's maddening,” said one such worker at Nissan's stand.
The absence of some pizzazz, as well as top marques, was also noted by patrons.
“It looks like there are a few less cars this year,” one annual attendee said of this year's exhibitors.
“I can't help but think it's easier to stay at home than to brave the snow and come here.”
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl turbo
Power: 247hp at 6,500rpm
Torque: 370Nm from 1,500-3,500rpm
Transmission: 10-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 7.8L/100km
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On sale: now
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Tomorrow 2021
Profile of MoneyFellows
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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Long read
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The specs
Engine: 4-litre twin-turbo V8
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Power: 630bhp
Torque: 820Nm
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8 UAE companies helping families reduce their carbon footprint
Greenheart Organic Farms
This Dubai company was one of the country’s first organic farms, set up in 2012, and it now delivers a wide array of fruits and vegetables grown regionally or in the UAE, as well as other grocery items, to both Dubai and Abu Dhabi doorsteps.
Modibodi
Founded in Australia, Modibodi is now in the UAE with waste-free, reusable underwear that eliminates the litter created by a woman’s monthly cycle, which adds up to approximately 136kgs of sanitary waste over a lifetime.
The Good Karma Co
From brushes made of plant fibres to eco-friendly storage solutions, this company has planet-friendly alternatives to almost everything we need, including tin foil and toothbrushes.
www.instagram.com/thegoodkarmaco
Re:told
One Dubai boutique, Re:told, is taking second-hand garments and selling them on at a fraction of the price, helping to cut back on the hundreds of thousands of tonnes of clothes thrown into landfills each year.
Lush
Lush provides products such as shampoo and conditioner as package-free bars with reusable tins to store.
Bubble Bro
Offering filtered, still and sparkling water on tap, Bubble Bro is attempting to ensure we don’t produce plastic or glass waste. Founded in 2017 by Adel Abu-Aysha, the company is on track to exceeding its target of saving one million bottles by the end of the year.
Coethical
This company offers refillable, eco-friendly home cleaning and hygiene products that are all biodegradable, free of chemicals and certifiably not tested on animals.
Eggs & Soldiers
This bricks-and-mortar shop and e-store, founded by a Dubai mum-of-four, is the place to go for all manner of family products – from reusable cloth diapers to organic skincare and sustainable toys.
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 261hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 405Nm at 1,750-3,500rpm
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