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Ajman taxi drivers return to work after payment dispute settled

AJMAN — Drivers of Cars Taxi, the company that provides taxi services for Ajman Transportation Corporation (ATC), staged a protest on Saturday against the company’s reported decision to cut an allowance of Dh500 from their monthly salaries.

However, the dispute was settled amicably and the drivers resumed their duties yesterday, police and company officials said. Colonel Ali Alwan, Deputy Director of Ajman Police Department confirmed there were no complaints at any police station about protests or strikes by labourers. “After being alerted by the Press, we investigated the matter and found out that it had been resolved,” the police official said.

Ali. K, one of the protesting drivers, told Khaleej Times that he had heard rumours of the company’s move to deduct Dh500 from their salary from next month. “Hearing this, the drivers decided to go on strike. We wanted to stop the company from taking this decision. Later, the company agreed to meet our demands and we resumed work,” he added.

Abdullah Sultan, General Manager of Cars Taxi said there was a misunderstanding among the drivers regarding the allowance, which was resolved without a strike.

Meanwhile, Ali Saeed Ali Matrooshi, Member of ATC, said the labourers were exploiting freedom in the country by protesting on small issues, which could be sorted out easily between them and their employers.

“These workers are going on protest even before discussing their demands and issues with the employers. Protesting in a civilised way is not forbidden, but it should be the last resort in case of any disputes with the employer,” Matrooshi said. Matrooshi noted: “Cars Taxi is ATC’s contractor. But we have not been informed about any such dispute. We can interfere in the matter, but we are not responsible for the workers’ problems.”