Employers told to respect work hours for staff

UAE labour authorities have again warned private sector employers against extending the work hours for their employees beyond the shift time specified in the labour law, saying any extra work hours must be paid. The ministry of labour was reacting to a complaint by a group of workers at a coffee shop that their employer is forcing them to work extra hours and is not abiding by the “wage protection” system announced approved by the ministry, according to the Arabic language daily Albayan. “All small establishments including restaurants and cafes must abide by the maximum work time for their workers as work hours and intervals have been clearly specified in the country’s labour law,” the paper said, quoting Issa Al Zarouni, head of the labour ministry inspection division in Dubai. “The law is very clear concerning the maximum work time and extra work hours…employers must pay their employees for every extra hours and ensure they comply with the wage protection system for their workers.” Zarouni said workers who are not fairly treated by their employers can report to the ministry of labour regarding extra hours work, wage protection, intervals during the working days, and working on Fridays. “Workers must always read the job contract they sign with their employers…they must be acquainted with the law which organizes their work hours, weekly holiday and compensation for extra work,” said Abdul Wahab Issa, an expert at the department of labour offices. “As you know, Friday is a day off in the UAE and in case workers are needed to work on that day, they must be given another day off in lieu according to the labour law.”