The mandatory midday break rule will come into force across the country on today, the Ministry of Labour announced here on Thursday.

The rule, which will be in force till September 15, bans companies from making the labourers work under the sun and in open areas from 12.30pm to 3pm.

It, however, excludes works which are impossible to stop for technical reasons. Undersecretary of the ministry Mubarak Saeed Al Dhahiri said: “The UAE, under the directives of the sagacious leadership, gives great attention to the conditions of the temporary and contractual workers by upgrading and adopting the international legislation, conventions and norms which ensure their rights, and aim at protecting them within the framework of the balanced relations with employers.”

The UAE is keen on protecting the workers’ interests and introduce humanitarian initiatives which reflect the intrinsic values of the society. The country has become the forerunner in protecting the workers’ rights and provide them with suitable work conditions.

Addressing a meeting at Park Rotana Hotel in Abu Dhabi to announce the launch of the midday break rule, Al Dhahiri said: “The midday break rule, being enforced for the eighth consecutive year in the UAE, is aimed at promoting occupational safety and such a culture. It also confirms the country’s commitment to implement international standards in this area.”

Al Dhahiri hailed the commitment of the employers to the rule over the past years, and hoped that they would continue it this year too. He also appreciated the government and private entities for participating in the campaign on the rule and the media for enlightening the society about it.
Penalties

The rule stipulates a fine of Dh15,000 for every violation by a company. In case the establishment violates more than one provision of the rule, the inspection department will submit a report to Minister of Labour Saqr Ghobash Saeed Ghobash, stating the types of violation and the number of labourers asked to work during the break to review the classification of the company.
Transparent procedure

A total of 20 field awareness visits will be conducted by the ministry’s officials countrywide. These will coincide with 60 inspection visits to be conducted by 19 teams of inspectors to ensure the rule has been implemented by the companies and spread awareness about it.

Mohsen Al Nasi, Director of the Inspection Department at the ministry’s office in Abu Dhabi, said inspection teams would pay awareness visits everyday from 10.30am to 12.30pm, and carry out inspections as per the plan chalked out for the purpose.

“Awareness and inspection visits will not be discontinued on official holidays,” he said.

Inspection teams will document the violations by taking pictures of the labourers working during the break period, he said, noting that the snaps would be attached with the reports to be shown later to the committee handling the violations.

The ministry will deal with the defaulters in a transparent manner, giving opportunity to them to explain their positions and express their grievances, which would be reviewed by the competent committee. The committee would take an appropriate decision in each case separately, he added.
Public urged to report

Al Nasi underlined the role of the members of the society in ensuring that the rule is being adhered to, as it pertains to the safety of the workers.

He called on the public to alert the ministry on phone No. 800665in case of spotting a labourer working during the midday break directly under the sun and in open areas. Reports will be verified before taking action.
Medical check-ups

The orientation department at the ministry will conduct 81 lectures across the country, with the aim of raising awareness among employers and employees as per a report submitted by Hager Al Khouri at the meeting. The department will also conduct field visits to the construction sites across the country to medically examine the workers and find out the level of liquids in their body.

The check-up, which will be conducted in collaboration with a number of private hospitals, is intended to ensure that the fluid levels are normal.

The Labour Care Unit, which has been in operation since May 1 this year, will visit construction sites countrywide to enlighten workers on the midday break rule and distribute gifts and refreshments to them.

As many as 11 tents will be set up across the country to serve Iftar (the meal to break fast during Ramadan) to workers during the holy month which falls during this period.

Eight sport tournaments will be held for workers inside their residential compounds across the country.