Expatriate workers on strike in Oman

Muscat : More than 60 expatriate workers are on strike at a camp in Oman alleging non-payment of salaries as offered in their contracts, and non-supply of food for the last few days.

“We are not getting any payment from the company. Moreover, the company is not providing any food as well. We are starving. How can we go to work without food? We are stuck here,” some of the workers told Times of Oman.

Most of these workers came to Oman after paying an amount of money ranging from OMR300 to OMR500 to recruitment agencies back in India.

“We are not getting the salary offered in the contract. While some got a little, a majority of us have not got anything. Our main problem is that we don’t have food. How long can we starve?” a worker asked.

Meanwhile, a company official said they had paid half of the salary to the workers and they are planning to send them back.

While asked why only half of the salary was paid, the official said that company is facing a financial crisis.

When asked about lack of food, the official refused to comment.

The workers also alleged that the company had not provided them a decent accommodation as well.

“It’s nasty and dirty everywhere,” the workers said.

“Space has been made on walls to fix air conditioners. However, air conditioners have not been fixed there,” the workers said.

Meanwhile, a Muscat-based legal advisor said that non-payment of salary is against Oman’s labour law.

“Companies cannot breach the terms and conditions agreed in the job contract. Moreover, non-payment of salary and food is against labour law. The aggrieved workers can approach labour dispute departments and their mission houses to settle the issue,” the legal advisor added.