Wanton Carelessness or Sabotage--Laborers May Be Striking Back

What will it take for more concerted effort by the Dubai government, federal government and companies operating locally to make significant progress in improving conditions for laborers? A recent UAE Community post highlights two Gulf News articles which point to the ongoing problems and governments efforts--often inadequate--to respond. In one report the government announces a survey to study, among other things, the inhumane treatment of workers. In another article anger among workers at having to face severe water shortages is discussed. Workers continue to be neglected to the point that they are even being expected to labor in 40+ degrees Celsius, then return to their over-crowded camps without water for bathing.

Worker Response

There have been repeated stories of strikes among laborers, illegal yet growing in frequency, size and severity. Workers, however, may have at their disposal a more insidious yet nearly invisible means of protest. They may, when not being observed, work in a deliberately careless manner and even attempt to sabotage their own work in ways not readily apparent.

A plumber might deliberately apply poor seals or loose bolts. An electrician might install wiring in a vulnerable fashion. A carpenter might construct inadequate supports. Once covered in plaster the defect will be hidden, and if craftily done, the error will not become apparent until weeks, months or even years later, after the structure has been put into full operation.


Such actions by disgruntled workers ought not to be considered inconceivable. In fact, the current situation in the country appears to be one of mounting frustration among workers, even as by some measures people are beginning to respond to their complaints.

The danger is that projects will inevitably suffer from poor quality workmanship. A case in point is the Damac's Marina Terrace tower in the Dubai Marina (see A Week of Construction in the UAE ), which suffered severe plumbing failures within weeks of being opened to residents. This incident ought to be a wake-up call to not only the concerned parties but government officials and the construction industry at large.

The only effective way to minimize the risk of workers resorting to such tactics is to take more drastic measures to improve their lot.

Related Posts on Dubai Marina & DM Blogs:

• Worker Unrest
  
• Take Not From the Mouth of Labor
  
• The Pyramid Builders at Al Sufouh Road

A new Marina Mall, Hotel and Residences is one of the many massive projects currently under construction in Dubai.

Go to DM Blog latest posts, Dubai Marina Communities or MAG 218 Community homepage.