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All companies have to give Ramadan Hours

3863

Posts

EW MASTER

Latest post on 12 July 2012 - 11:02

There is an article in the Gulf News and on Emirates 24/7

:-)

Log in to post new content in the forum.

422

Posts

EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 12 July 2012 - 14:22

I have worked for 3 companies here the past 6 years and only had 1 ramadan where I actually worked shorter hours. Even working for a semi-government company I once was officiallytold that non-muslims have to work full hours .... and yes, they knew labour law says different but just also knew that there are not enough jobs for the people who dare to challenge out there. Unfortunately not everyone has the luck for working just for fun, some people do need the regular income to pay their bills, so they can not just resign to make the point that they were right and the company wrong. Every year it's a new challenge on what the company allows during Ramadan. My partner is fasting and we usually have Iftar together so I feel it is wronfg if I am not allowed to be home in time for breaking the fast just because my non-fasting boss doesn't see the point of Ramadan working hours.

477

Posts

EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 12 July 2012 - 14:10

can you remain anonymous when reporting your company as per the article? has anyone ever tried? we get an email stating that "in accordance with local labor laws, the official working hours for the business will be 6 hrs a day" plus "However, we are still required to meet all our deadlines ... so please discuss with your managers ..." some work normal hours, some leave after 6 hours without anyone batting an eyelid. we are lucky i suppose.

437

Posts

EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 12 July 2012 - 14:05

I've already had one stand off with my company about holidays. I waas told that either i get in line with the company policy or.... I decided that my quality of life was more important and stood my ground, but i was lucky, and it swung my way, Exactly - that's my point. Yes, I was lucky, but I don't get a lunch break, despite it being in my contract and most of the rest of the staff getting them, but when i argued that point, I was told no. Pick your battles.

437

Posts

EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 12 July 2012 - 14:03

No, I work til 6, but the average time given off is 2 hours, from what I can gather from those who are given it. Yes it's nice to have it off, just like it is nice to have three day weekends, and public holidays, but my income is more important to me, and that was the point i was making

1338

Posts

EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 12 July 2012 - 14:02

I've already had one stand off with my company about holidays. I waas told that either i get in line with the company policy or.... I decided that my quality of life was more important and stood my ground, but i was lucky, and it swung my way, Exactly - that's my point.

489

Posts

EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 12 July 2012 - 13:59

2 hours off? Do you all finish at 5pm? I dont think I've ever actually had a real '9-5'. For those who start work by 8am and dont finish till 6pm onwards those few hours off early are a big deal!

437

Posts

EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 12 July 2012 - 13:56

I've already had one stand off with my company about holidays. I waas told that either i get in line with the company policy or.... I decided that my quality of life was more important and stood my ground, but i was lucky, and it swung my way, otherwise i would have had a few weeks to find a new job, lose my visa, salary and perhaps risk a lot more. I know people who have reported missing salaries to the Ministry and they didnt' penalise the company and enforce widespread practices, they just solved the problem for the individual who complained. Would you risk your job and income for two hours off a day?

Monkey Face44709

803

Posts

EW GURU

Latest post on 12 July 2012 - 13:55

This argument coming from the same people who have argued in the past "if you don't like it, go home". Oh, the irony.

Madge_Gustard59558

841

Posts

EW GURU

Latest post on 12 July 2012 - 13:53

I am sorry but people need to know what their rights are when they accept a job. If everyone just sucks it up and let it happen these things will never change As others have pointed out, the choice is often between keeping your job and losing it. For as long as there is little to no meaningful protection for employees who try and exercise their rights, those rights might as well not exist. In developed countries there is an established legislative framework allowing employees to exercise their rights with a degree of protection and without needing to spend quite-probably-unaffordable sums taking out private legal actions. There is no such framework here, and to make matters worse, if your employer has enough influence, then they can do what they like and the law becomes completely irrelevant.

3376

Posts

EW MASTER

Latest post on 12 July 2012 - 13:44

MonkeyFace, you took the words out of my mouth. Hooray to those who can simply quit and/or then report their company and get into what could be a heated battle and visa situation to follow. Not everyone has that luxury, which is exactly why none of my co-workers ever reported a thing, and IMO they were way worse off than I was. (8:30-5pm, 6 days a week during Ramadan with their passports being held). edited by Beebers on 12/07/2012 That is also illegal! A company can't hold your passport! I am sorry but people need to know what their rights are when they accept a job. If everyone just sucks it up and let it happen these things will never change. How can government "catch" companies breaking the law of nobody reports it? I know. They didn't even try to hold mine (US passport). I found out from one of my co-workers that the company was holding his PP. What happened is this. He was there for 2+ years with no vacation (against his contract of course). He put in request for one, and asked me to put in a "good word" since I had a little "pull." He didn't think they were going to allow it. I asked him why he was putting up with that, and he said he didn't want to say anything because he didn't want to go back to where he came from; he figured he would stay a few years and look for a better position. By the way, my PRO told me that in 11 yrs, any MOL complaints against the company have been written off, and the employee often ended up in costly litigation they couldn't afford. Don't you think that most of these companies have "friends" with influence? Most employees just can't contend with that, and it was laid out for me pretty simply. I am not saying it isn't unfortunate; just a reality. I'd rather not say more, here.

Anonymous (not verified)

0

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 12 July 2012 - 13:10

MonkeyFace, you took the words out of my mouth. Hooray to those who can simply quit and/or then report their company and get into what could be a heated battle and visa situation to follow. Not everyone has that luxury, which is exactly why none of my co-workers ever reported a thing, and IMO they were way worse off than I was. (8:30-5pm, 6 days a week during Ramadan with their passports being held). edited by Beebers on 12/07/2012 That is also illegal! A company can't hold your passport! I am sorry but people need to know what their rights are when they accept a job. If everyone just sucks it up and let it happen these things will never change. How can government "catch" companies breaking the law of nobody reports it?

3376

Posts

EW MASTER

Latest post on 12 July 2012 - 13:00

MonkeyFace, you took the words out of my mouth. Hooray to those who can simply quit and/or then report their company and get into what could be a heated battle and visa situation to follow. Not everyone has that luxury, which is exactly why none of my co-workers ever reported a thing, and IMO they were way worse off than I was. (8:30-5pm, 6 days a week during Ramadan with their passports being held). <em>edited by Beebers on 12/07/2012</em>

flydiver1136092

504

Posts

EW GURU

Latest post on 12 July 2012 - 12:59

Over a decade with one of the largest local companies in Dubai, and non Muslims at work have never had any shorter work hours during Ramadan.

Monkey Face44709

803

Posts

EW GURU

Latest post on 12 July 2012 - 12:54

Legally all companies HAVE to give Ramadan hours. If you choose to work longer then that's your responsibility. Yes but the law and reality and two seperate things here Disagree - if you allow your company to take the mickey with regard to your working hours, then that is your responsibility..... Oh please, get real. i have worked here for 7 years, both as a Muslim and as a non Muslim and i have never worked more than the Ramadan hours in Ramadan, including when i worked in a western company where it was expected that i worked the normal hours - its a complete cope out when people say they don't have a choice. Of course you do. Yes, some people have a choice, keep their job or not. So lucky you are that you didn't have to make that choice.

295

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 12 July 2012 - 12:52

2 hours a day extra with my toddler *big smiles I shall be waking him up from his nap!

Anonymous (not verified)

0

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 12 July 2012 - 12:47

Legally all companies HAVE to give Ramadan hours. If you choose to work longer then that's your responsibility. Yes but the law and reality and two seperate things here Disagree - if you allow your company to take the mickey with regard to your working hours, then that is your responsibility..... Oh please, get real. i have worked here for 7 years, both as a Muslim and as a non Muslim and i have never worked more than the Ramadan hours in Ramadan, including when i worked in a western company where it was expected that i worked the normal hours - its a complete cope out when people say they don't have a choice. Of course you do. Likes:)

1338

Posts

EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 12 July 2012 - 12:46

Legally all companies HAVE to give Ramadan hours. If you choose to work longer then that's your responsibility. Yes but the law and reality and two seperate things here Disagree - if you allow your company to take the mickey with regard to your working hours, then that is your responsibility..... Oh please, get real. i have worked here for 7 years, both as a Muslim and as a non Muslim and i have never worked more than the Ramadan hours in Ramadan, including when i worked in a western company where it was expected that i worked the normal hours - its a complete cope out when people say they don't have a choice. Of course you do.

Anonymous (not verified)

0

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 12 July 2012 - 12:40

Legally all companies HAVE to give Ramadan hours. If you choose to work longer then that's your responsibility. Yes but the law and reality and two seperate things here Disagree - if you allow your company to take the mickey with regard to your working hours, then that is your responsibility..... Its not that easy when you rely in your job and your boss says no. Why do you think so many companies get away with it? agreed - if only it was that easy! this will be my fifth ramdan - last year was the first year i really managed anything like ramadan hours. the first three was business as usual including trips to abu dhabi where i was always expected to drive, whilst the fasters slept each way.... I have lived in the region for 6 years now (sure most of you longer) and have only worked longer in the year I was working in a hotel, where I worked in the Ramadan Tent. There non Muslims had normal hours, but the staff cafeteria as I remember was open. All the other years, local companies or international, I have never worked more than the required hours. And that was also before I converted, so the rule applies to everyone. I do agree with the fact that we let things happen to us while by law they are illegal. if people would stop accepting things and filing complaints, then maybe these companies who take advantage of their staff will have to get their acts together.

3376

Posts

EW MASTER

Latest post on 12 July 2012 - 12:39

Legally all companies HAVE to give Ramadan hours. If you choose to work longer then that's your responsibility. Yes but the law and reality and two seperate things here Disagree - if you allow your company to take the mickey with regard to your working hours, then that is your responsibility..... Its not that easy when you rely in your job and your boss says no. Why do you think so many companies get away with it? Exactly! I remember last year my DH asking why our hours were not shortened (I am not a Muslim) because it wasn't supposed to matter. In fact, I ended up working overtime due to the "mysterious" excess work that piled up with no one to do it. That being said, only Muslims who were fasting were allowed to leave at 5...instead of 6. I asked about EID, and my boss responded in an email (which I saved for later) that I had begun to anger him with my "constant vacation queries" and since I wasn't even Muslim, I needed to back off. As to my original EID question I was told we would get 1 day off for EID and Muslims that fasted would receive 2; end of story. He said no one else has ever complain and I had better not upset the apple cart. Since I was planning on resigning due to other unethical company practices, I did keep my mouth shut. Then put in my notice.

Monkey Face44709

803

Posts

EW GURU

Latest post on 12 July 2012 - 12:34

Legally all companies HAVE to give Ramadan hours. If you choose to work longer then that's your responsibility. Yes but the law and reality and two seperate things here Disagree - if you allow your company to take the mickey with regard to your working hours, then that is your responsibility..... Oh please, get real.

67

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 12 July 2012 - 12:30

lsat year my company announced ramadan hours for all but still had the shuttle buses for the lower grades back to sharjah/deria etc. at normal times so they coulnd't take advantage without having to fork out extra to go home. they are tied into the bus for 12 months, couldn't opt out for the month and take the cash to get home at different times - literally the tightest company I have ever worked for!

Shell collector57955

35

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 12 July 2012 - 11:45

Those of us who were required to work normal hours during Ramadan were given extra leave days added to our annual leave entitlement. We were happy with that.

2725

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 12 July 2012 - 11:44

No I dont think they do, DD working normal hours throughout. Edited to say Hubby working 4am till midday during Ramadan and he works in construction. <em>edited by salsB on 12/07/2012</em>

2362

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 12 July 2012 - 11:40

Legally all companies HAVE to give Ramadan hours. If you choose to work longer then that's your responsibility. Yes but the law and reality and two seperate things here Disagree - if you allow your company to take the mickey with regard to your working hours, then that is your responsibility..... Its not that easy when you rely in your job and your boss says no. Why do you think so many companies get away with it? agreed - if only it was that easy! this will be my fifth ramdan - last year was the first year i really managed anything like ramadan hours. the first three was business as usual including trips to abu dhabi where i was always expected to drive, whilst the fasters slept each way....

MissFortune59378

326

Posts

EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 12 July 2012 - 11:24

Legally all companies HAVE to give Ramadan hours. If you choose to work longer then that's your responsibility. Yes but the law and reality and two seperate things here Disagree - if you allow your company to take the mickey with regard to your working hours, then that is your responsibility..... Its not that easy when you rely in your job and your boss says no. Why do you think so many companies get away with it?

1338

Posts

EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 12 July 2012 - 11:22

Legally all companies HAVE to give Ramadan hours. If you choose to work longer then that's your responsibility. Yes but the law and reality and two seperate things here Disagree - if you allow your company to take the mickey with regard to your working hours, then that is your responsibility.....

GutenMorgen60562

207

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 12 July 2012 - 11:21

construction sites still work long hours during Ramadan Are they made to stop working between 11am-3pm or something like that over summer here? Yes if they work outside but the ones that work inside (eg electrical, plumbing etc) carry on Free sauna.......

MissFortune59378

326

Posts

EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 12 July 2012 - 11:20

Legally all companies HAVE to give Ramadan hours. If you choose to work longer then that's your responsibility. Yes but the law and reality and two seperate things here

1338

Posts

EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 12 July 2012 - 11:16

Legally all companies HAVE to give Ramadan hours. If you choose to work longer then that's your responsibility.

MissFortune59378

326

Posts

EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 12 July 2012 - 11:15

construction sites still work long hours during Ramadan Are they made to stop working between 11am-3pm or something like that over summer here? Yes if they work outside but the ones that work inside (eg electrical, plumbing etc) carry on

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