Dubai’s Ministry of Labour has ordered a security firm to pay striking workers their overdue salaries, according to local media.
Around 600 staff at an unnamed company in Al Quoz allege they have not been paid since December and this month went on strike demanding action, 7Days reported.
Two hundred of those staff have reportedly returned to work but many are refusing to go back until they receive their dues.
As of Thursday, the firm had allegedly paid January’s and half of February’s wages, but claims it has struggled to get clients to pay up, causing difficulties.
Strike action by the workers on May 12 culminated in police being called out, 7Days said, and prompted Dubai’s Ministry of Labour to step in to try to resolve the dispute.
Maher Al Obad, assistant undersecretary for Labour Inspection Affairs, was quoted as saying: “The ministry is closely monitoring the situation of about 600 workers who have stopped working in demand of four months delayed salaries.
“The ministry will refer the company to public prosecution if no mechanism for payment of workers’ dues is made.”
Most of the employees earn AED1,750 ($476) to AED2,000 ($544) guarding hotels, offices and hospitals, it was said.