The Executive Committee of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council on Wednesday (April 22) has issued a resolution enacting the organization of the Abu Dhabi Workers Committee, chaired by the chairman of the Department of Economic Development.
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Under federal and local laws, the committee is tasked with developing, executing, and evaluating the inspection programs for all private sector facilities to ensure they are complying with labor laws.
Abu Dhabi Committee to Check if Private Workers Get Appropriate Salary, Benefits
The committee will ensure the existence of valid work contracts, that workers’ rights are being upheld, and that they are receiving payment for their work, as shared in a report by the Abu Dhabi Media Office.
Moreover, the committee is also tasked to coordinate with the relevant authorities to ensure suitable living environments for workers.
The Executive Committee of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council has issued a resolution forming the Abu Dhabi Workers Committee, chaired by the Chairman of the Department of Economic Development. pic.twitter.com/Ci3BobpbKB
— مكتب أبوظبي الإعلامي (@admediaoffice) April 22, 2020
This also means that the committee will oversee activities conducted by relevant authorities to find solutions to reducing workers’ complaints, and establish a process for receiving and handling any issues that might arise.
Moreover, the committee will have to review issues relating to underperforming companies, including records and salary protection programs to protect workers’ rights.
By this, the committee will review legislation, and systems and policies regulating the labor market – and will submit proposals to enhance the economy and business environment in Abu Dhabi, in coordination with relevant entities.
Of note, the committee will design and fund programs aimed at raising awareness among workers and employers of labor laws, as well as their rights and commitments.
The committee is composed of representatives from the Department of Economic Development, Judicial Department, Abu Dhabi Police, the Department of Finance, the Department of Municipalities and Transport, the Department of Health, the Department of Community Development, the Higher Corporation for Specialised Economic Zones, the General Directorate for Residency and Foreigners Affairs (the Federal Authority for Identity & Citizenship) and the Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation (MOHRE).
In line with this, the MOHRE on April 6 has launched an ‘Early Leave’ initiative for all expat private-sector employees in the country which would allow them to temporarily return to their home country during the time that the COVID-19 precautionary measures are in effect in the UAE.
Earlier, the MOHRE announced that private sector companies in the UAE were allowed to restructure existing contracts with employees and grant employees both paid and unpaid leave, temporarily reduce salaries during the period in which their businesses are affected by the COVID-19 precautionary measures, and also permanently reduce salaries of its employees.
Through the establishment of the workers’ committee, private employees in the UAE will be safeguarded from discrimination, inequality, and abuse from their companies or employers during this time of crisis.
Meanwhile, as the rest of the world is battling with the immediate effects of the virus in the community and on the economy, a UAE health official has forecasted that life in the emirates will be changed by a coronavirus, and remote working and learning are likely to become more commonplace in the long term, even as the immediate threat subsides.
In line with this, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai has revealed that another team will be formed to develop the government’s human resources and provide new applications to raise productivity and skill-sets, with preparations for new post-COVID-19 government work techniques. The world after COVID-19 will never be the same.