QF to enforce workers' welfare laws on contractors
Qatar Foundation (QF) is planning to launch a hotline to receive complaints and suggestions from workers employed on its projects about their living conditions, a senior official has said.
He also warned contractors of stern action if they fail to comply with QF’s Mandatory Standards of Migrant Workers’ Welfare for Contractors and Subcontractors.
“Complying with the law and QF regulations is the primary condition for being eligible for future contracts with QF. Any supplier, contractor or subcontractor that violates this basic criterian will not be considered for any QF contracts,” Engineer Jassim M Telefat, Group Executive Director, QF’s Capital Projects and Facilities Management.
“It is the responsibility of every contractor, subcontractor and supplier to ensure they self-audit their practices…We are doing our utmost to ensure everyone working with QF has a good quality of life, respectable living conditions and an appropriate work environment,” he added.
With immediate effect, all contractors and subcontractors are expected to adhere to the guidelines to be eligible for any upcoming strategic tenders.
He also revealed a plan to launch a hotline for workers so they can lodge complaints and suggestions regarding their living and working conditions.
“We will be creating a helpline where workers can report any violations. These are the key factors for achieving the QF vision to unlock human potential and improve the standard of living of those living in Qatar.”
He said a special department within QF has been created to address all workers’ welfare issues. It would also conduct regular assessments and inspections of all contractors to ensure they are complying with the criteria.
Last April, QF launched the new workers’ welfare Mandatory Standards, which combine the Qatari Labour Law and international best practice. Through its mandatory standards, QF has introduced minimum requirements in relation to recruitment, living and working conditions, and the general treatment of workers in construction and other projects.
I am just worried why cant they give contracts to big companies who take care of their employees very well rather than splitting the contracts into sub and sub contractors. From my experience if the government allots 25 Qr rate for one hour for one employee.... the main contractor will take 5 riyals (they will not take care of anything )and will give that contract to a sub contractors, and this subcontract company will take 5 riyals again and they will give this contract to another sub company and this chain will go on like this, at last the poor laborers will get just 10% of the contract amount which will be around 5 to 6 Qr.
So from my opinion please stop this fraud chains and try to give contract amount directly to the laborers, they will be happy and the lifestyle will be good. Please try to understand that these are the real things that are going around in Qatar.
I am just worried, what the government can do about this... Do anybody know the real life style of the employers (labor supply company owners ) in Qatar??. They are just having a lavish life with the money that they get from this governments and from the contractors which should be given to the poor laborers. Its a big big chain. You cannot imagine their lifestyle back home. I know the real world. These small labor companies bribe managers to get the contracts and they utilizes all these money. I don't know how this government can stop these frauds and take care of laborers and make sure that employees are getting their salaries and benefits from these companies. Do you know one thing, these companies will credit salaries to the employees account and they itself will take the salary back and give a small amount to the laborers just like "throwing dust in the eyes of the government". And also they will cut the electricity and water in the labor camp from morning till evening so that nobody will stay in the camp even if they are sick or not feeling well. Almost all the labor employees are frightened to split out all these frauds, because of their employers and the fear that they might lose their job. This is the real truth. Its the experience I heard from a labor camp. Please try to find a solution to stop these frauds and help the laborers to get their benefits first
Let them introduce 2 days off first like all workers on this planet or at least 1.5 days if it is so difficult in the contracting field. This shall apply to engineers also not having time to sit with their kids and families.
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