Dubai firms get priority treatment for looking after workers

This content was originally posted in 7DAYS UAE website at: Dubai firms get priority treatment for looking after workers New details have been released about a scheme that will see Dubai construction firms rewarded for ensuring the good treatment of their workers. The Taqdeer Award, launched under the patronage of HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Executive Council, will see firms given ratings from one to five stars. Those with four and five star ratings will enjoy priority on government projects. Officials said the opportunity comes at a time when a large number of projects will be undertaken for Expo 2020. Major General Obaid Muhair bin Suroor, Chairman of Taqdeer Award and Chairman of the Permanent Committee of Labour Affairs in Dubai, told 7DAYS: “I think the companies need competition in this area. In the next five years there will be a lot of projects in Dubai, and also huge construction for Expo 2020, which means there are a lot of chances for companies to get projects from the government.” There will be a feedback process in which workers are asked about their conditions. Taqdeer advisor Dr Kasim Kanakri said: “Now, a labourer’s voice is not always heard. There will be a feedback system where employees will be able to express their perception about the organisation and be empowered to be involved in the decision-making. They will have an open door. They also will be involved in society activities. Nowadays they are not so involved in society. So it’s about inclusion and engagement.” He said the move will also address issues such as strikes. He added: “It was one of the objectives mentioned by His Excellency Major General Obaid that happy people will have less arguments and therefore less stoppage of work.” There are 283 construction companies in Dubai employing more than 500,000 workers. megha@7days.ae Read the original story at: Dubai firms get priority treatment for looking after workers