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[nomad soul]

Workers can’t be shifted from original workplace
Arab News | 14 December 2014
Source: http://www.arabnews.com/saudi-arabia/news/674181

JEDDAH--Employers are not permitted to transfer workers from their original place of work to another location if this requires changing the place of residency, or if the transfer jeopardizes the health of an employee, the Ministry of Labor said.

The ministry came out recently with details of the Kingdom's new labor law dealing with the rights and duties of both employer and employee, work environment, disciplinary action and service termination. According to the ministry, employers are required to provide employees leave for Eid Al-Fitr, Eid Al-Adha, and illness during their probationary period, and both parties have the right to terminate the contract during this period unless the contract specifically states that this right belongs to only one party.

Employers may not change the payment schedule of an employee from a monthly basis to a weekly, daily, or hourly basis, unless the employee has agreed to this in writing and such change does not violate any of the employee’s rights.

As per Article 38 of the Labor Regulations, employers may not assign work that is different from what has been agreed upon without the employee’s consent in writing, and such work may not exceed more than 30 days per year. Employers must also refrain from subjecting workers to forced labor and may not withhold part of or all their wages without judicial approval.

Employers must facilitate the authorities to carry out their work related to monitoring and imposing regulations, as well as preventing the entry of any unauthorized substances to the workplace. The ministry said employees are entitled to a certificate of service upon termination of the contract that indicating the dates of employment, the employee’s position, duties, and wages.

As for the duties of employees, the ministry said workers should fulfill all work requirements provided tasks do not create any moral or health issues, and must return any machinery, tools, equipment owned by the employer. Employees must also complete medical examinations before starting work to ensure they are free from disease.

With regard to grievances and disciplinary action, employers should respond to any complaints and may not change any terms during the reconciliation or arbitration process in a manner that may harm the employee. The employer is permitted to resort to warnings and fines, as well as withholding or delaying a raise or promotion for a period of no more than one year, suspending work with no pay, and terminating the employee’s contract.

According to the ministry, penalties against the employee for disciplinary reasons may not involve withholding wages of more than five days, or for more than 5 days per month. Suspension of services may also not exceed 5 days per month, and no disciplinary action against an employee can be taken until after the employee has been informed in writing and given a chance to respond in his defense within 15 days. Responses from the employee must be made to the committee of labor dispute, which must issue a decision within 30 days.

(End of article)

[veiledsentiments]

These changes could be helpful for many teachers if they are enforceable...

VS

[sicklyman]

ah the power of IF!

[scot47]

Froth. Hot Air. In Arabic - "Kalam Fadhi" (Empty words.)

[Hatcher]

Labor law in the KSA is an oximoron. Does anyone know anyone who abides by labor laws?

When I was cheated out of 2500$ they told me the laws in the KSA are for non-Saudis and if anyone tried to enforce them they would be fired.

I never saw any integrity when it came to money in that country.

[plumpy nut]

Labor law is only good for very large sums of money. It takes months to take a company to the actual court itself and lawyers from public assistance? That doesn't exist. Then after that all the company has to do is appeal and it takes another set of months. So if you're on an Iqama but no longer employed and trying to take a company to court, lots of luck. It is legal to find work while you're case is in the dockets, and labor can extend your Iqama. However in reality companies that are willing to cross your former Arab owners are non-existent.

[scot47]

"the laws in the KSA are for non-Saudis " Eh ? Hatcher seems to have it the wrong way round !

[Hatcher]

Scot47

No, I am correct. I was told the Saudis dont have any laws but the foreigners do. So when the Saudis dont pay their staff, they dont face any punishment.

I was cheated out of 2500$. If they follow the law, who do I speak with to get it.

[johnslat]

Maybe scot47 meant the laws in Saudi are against (not for) non-Saudis.

Regards,
John

[nomad soul]

[scot47]

"Al Ula, ya akhi"

= Brother, leave it to God to sort out In other words, forget it !

I see now that Hatcher means that in KSA Saudis can ignore the law but foreigners have to obey the law.