They Had Stopped Working

DT: The employer of nine workers who had been complaining of not being paid their dues said the workers had stopped working a month ago.

In a statement, the company Trymix Group Cleaning International Co., alleged that the firm had lost contracts because of this.

The company has also said it was working towards a settlement with the employees regarding their work issues and make travel arrangements for them.

The nine workers had approached the Indian Embassy on Thursday complaining they had not been paid for over three months.

They also alleged that their work visas expired and were not renewed for nearly six months.

In an interview with DT, a worker on condition of anonymity said this was the main reason they were afraid to go back to work last month.

He claimed the employer had got other workers instead and that they did not lose any contracts because they refused to work.

“Initially, we used to go and work. But then we were afraid of what would happen if we got caught by labour inspectors. In the present security scenario we were afraid that being caught may get us into a lot of trouble,” the worker said.

A colleague of the employees said that two of the men had chicken pox at the time and obviously could not go to work.

“We also asked several times that he pay us our salaries and renew our visas, so that we could work. However, he did not listen,” he added.

The Indian Embassy was to contact the employer yesterday, according to the workers.

“But the embassy did not call. We were ready for the call,” the worker said.

The men have worked in several government organisations in their course of work. These include Ministries of Works, Human Rights and Social Development and Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments.

At present, they are looking forward to receiving their salaries and returning home for a vacation.