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United Arab Emirates: Lankan envoy assures protection to SL garment workers in UAE |
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2004-7-22
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The Sri Lankan Consul-General in Dubai, P.D. Fernando, has sought to assure that he will enforce stringent administrative measures in the future to safeguard the interest of Sri Lankan workers in the UAE, particularly those working in garment factories.
Exploitation of several Sri Lankan workers employed in the garment factories including non payment of wages have been reported which led to the Consul to take the above decision.
The recent closure of Moon Garments in Sharjah is a glaring example, which left over a 100 workers, comprising Sri Lankans and Bangladeshis, stranded without salaries as well as basic amenities for over two months. A settlement of sorts was reached recently following intervention of the diplomatic missions of the respective countries, dialogue with the factory owner and sponsor, as well as the local authority.
Following the settlement, whereby the factory owner agreed to pay Dh1, 000 as full and final settlement against the outstanding dues ranging from seven to nine months'' salaries.
A worker complained that the settlement of dues was not fair. "Having worked for so long and an outstanding of over seven months'' salary, I was expecting to return home with some money in hand. But, a paltry sum of Dh1, 000 each paid by the owner is peanuts and I am extremely uncertain about my future," a worker said.
Fernando, expressed relief at seeing off stranded workers returning home after facing two months of hardships. "I know that the girls are not happy with the settlement, but this was the only and best option available."
He urged the Sri Lankans residing in the country to remain in regular contact with the missions and to notify them on any default of payment of salaries.
According to him, a team of officials from SLBFE is expected to arrive in Dubai next week to discuss the administrative measures undertaken by the mission and how to further strengthen them in the interest of the overseas workers. |
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