UAE to get tough with midday break violators

The Ministry of Labour (MoL) has said that the midday break in the UAE will be enforced from June 15 for three months, preventing labourers from carrying out any sort of work under direct sunlight between 12.30pm and 3pm until September 15.

The announcement, issued by Saqr Ghobash, Minister of Labour, was made public during a press conference addressed by Mubarak Saeed Al Dhaheri, Under-Secretary of the Ministry, alongside Maher Al Obed, Assistant Under-Secretary for the Inspection Department.

"The midday work ban has entered its 10th year now, confirming the ministry’s commitment towards human and labour rights by ensuring them work in a safe environment," Al Dhaheri pointed out.

The decision of the Minister of Labour urges business owners to provide shaded areas for workers during their break period and to completely cease work. The decision also refers owners to adapt the eight-hour daily work schedule and compensate labourers working overtime according to the provisions of Federal Law No. 08 of 1980.

The Under-Secretary at the Ministry warned that violators will be fined Dh15,000, if found forcing labourers, regardless of their profession, to work under direct sunlight. "Moreover, if the issue was involving a huge number of workers on the recorded worksite, the company’s profile will be sent to the minister’s office, where it might face temporary suspension from operations plus a reduction in its classification level," he said.

However, the minister noted some exceptions that require continuation of work during those periods for technical reasons.

"Businesses excluded from the banned working hours include work on mixed asphalt and poured concrete if it is impossible to implement or supplement the work in one day, or carrying out work to prevent expected danger or reparation or damage or malfunction or loss, and also emergency work, including cutting power lines, water supply, sewerage, electricity and cutting off or redirecting traffic or blocking public roads in addition to cut gas or petroleum pipelines," Al Dhaheri said.

Al Obed said, "We have formed 18 teams of specialised inspectors to follow up on this particular issue, making sure that all companies are following the decision correctly. We will also conduct random visits as part of our awareness campaigns to publicise the decision and its implications and stress its importance."

Meanwhile, the MoI has announced that it will double inspection visits to establishments and companies during the midday break period.

"There will be around 80,000 visits during the midday break period for the next three months, in which 60,000 visits will be inspectional and 20,000 for the awareness campaign," he concluded.

 



 

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