Transport firm rebuked for 'very low' wages

The Ministry of Labour has rebuked a private sector transport company for paying “very low” wages to its drivers, warning it would not grant it any new labour visa before the firm raises the salaries of its workers.

The unidentified company was applying for new labour visas as part of its expansion plans when it was told by the ministry officials during an open-day meeting on Thursday that its request would not be accepted.

“The officials told the company’s representative that the ministry will not issue it any new visas because of the very low wages paid to its drivers,” the Abu Dhabi-based Arabic language daily 'Al Ittihad' said.

“They told the representative that the company must first revise its job contracts and increase the salaries of its drivers before it applies for visas again.”

'Al Ittihad' quoted the company’s representative as saying that salaries for the drivers are low on the grounds they get commission from customers.

“He said that the commission given to the drivers is far more than their monthly salaries and that is why their basic wages are low,” the paper said.

“The representative said the company has requested the ministry of labour to change its decision since the drivers’ salaries are not considered low if the commission is included. He said the ministry told them it would refer their new request to the labour judicial panel to study it.”