Star ratings for labour welfare practices in Dubai

Shaikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Executive Council, has launched the world's first points-based award programme for recognising excellence in labour welfare practices.
Based on the number of points (out of 1,000) that the companies receive during the evaluation, they will be awarded a rating from one to five stars.
Five-star ratings will be given to companies that score a 700 or better, and four stars will be awarded to companies that score at least 550.
Winners of four or five-star ratings will receive a certificate, as well as priority in government contracts and will have a competitive advantage in bidding for international contracts.
The "Taqdeer" (Arabic for appreciation) initiative is designed to acknowledge the contributions of the labour force to the UAE's development and promote international best practices in labour welfare.
In its first year, the programme will focus on the construction sector by inviting companies to participate in the award by submitting a comprehensive document that will be reviewed by the programme's judging committee. Companies will be evaluated on a three main sets of criteria: essential fundamentals such as recruitment, wages and safety, work culture issues such as transparency, as well as results.
The first edition of the programme is open to Dubai-based companies that have been operating for the last two years and are involved in the construction of buildings, roads, bridges, tunnels, plumbing installation and power generation plants.
"The award programme reflects the importance Dubai places on ensuring progressive labour practices in line with global standards. The new programme is consistent with the objectives of Dubai Plan 2021 to make Dubai a city of happy, empowered people," Shaikh Hamdan said.
"The extensive evaluation framework of the award will encourage companies to aspire to high standards in their management of labour. We are confident that the award will help set new benchmarks for good labour practices across sectors and throughout the region."
Shaikh Hamdan noted that the programme is part of Dubai's efforts "to ensure the happiness and welfare of the people of Dubai regardless of religion or nationality."
"Our country continues to enhance its legal framework for protecting labour rights and enhancing their quality of life. This award aims to improve relations between management and labour, which will serve to enhance productivity and loyalty," he added.
According to officials, future editions of the Taqdeer programme will focus on free-zone factories, where over 500,000 workers are employed.
reporters@khaleejtimes.com

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