42 firms that champion labour rights honoured

Dubai - The award honoured companies for their overall treatment to labourers

A total of 42 construction companies and workers were honoured on Sunday as part of the first cycle of Taqdeer Award.
Aimed to promote employee welfare, the award honoured companies for their overall treatment to labourers including their labour policies, accommodation, health and safety, labour security, innovation drive, recruitment and wages.
One best labourer, nominated from each company, was also given cash prizes that was not disclosed by award officials.
Launched this year under the patronage of Shaikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Chairman of the Dubai Executive Council, the award aims to improve living standards for labourers and recognise employee performance to increase productivity.
While the award targeted the construction sector, the programme will extend to other industries over the coming years.
"The construction sector is vital to Dubai's economy and employs over 500,000 workers in around 282 companies, each of whom play an important role in Dubai's journey to excellence," said Major-Gen. Obaid Mehayar bin Suroor, Taqdeer awards' chairman.
He added: "The award works to enhance relationship between employers and employees and set exemplary standards in labour welfare in the country."
Through a 10-month process of interview and site visits, 32 assessors evaluated applications. The evaluations were then submitted to an independent judging committee that rated companies.
The companies that received 5 and 4-star ratings will enjoy priority in government projects and the top ratings will give companies a competitive advantage in bidding for international contracts.
He noted that applicants who did not win the competition will receive reports of strengths and weaknesses to know their stances and work on improving their performance.
The award will be organised annually to set exemplary standards in labour welfare and encourage workers to contribute their best.
Bin Suroor said the award is expected to attract at least 100 companies next year.
Winners were honoured by Shaikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation.
- sherouk@khaleejtimes.com
Winners of 5-star rating
> United Engineering Construction Limited (UNEC)
> BK Gulf
> Sobha Engineering and Contracting LLC
> DUTCO BALFOUR DEATTY
> Arabtec
Winners of 4-star rating
> Habtoor Leighton Group
> Aroma International Building Contracting LLC
> ESEC International Contracting
> Al Futtaim Carrillion
> Al JIHAN FOUR HORIZON GENERAL CONTRACTING LLC
Winners of 3-star rating
> Amana Steel Buildings Contracting Company LLC
> Emirates Sands
> Al Nasr Contracting Company LLC
 

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