Latest news with #LaborRelationsDepartment
Arab Times
6 days ago
- Business
- Arab Times
Know Your Rights: A Guide for Exploited Delivery Drivers in Kuwait
In the scorching streets of Kuwait, thousands of home delivery drivers—many employed through subcontracting companies are being pushed to the brink. Forced to work up to 14 hours a day without breaks, denied rest in extreme heat, and threatened with salary deductions for taking even a few minutes off, these workers are trapped in a system that disregards labor law and human dignity. Behind the convenience of food delivery lies a deeply exploitative structure where third-party agencies squeeze workers for maximum output while evading accountability. Dear Arab Times Legal Team I work as a home delivery driver under a third-party company contracted by a Famous Food Delivery Company. We are being assigned daily shifts of up to 14 hours without any breaks, even during the extreme summer heat. This is not just my case—it's the same for all car drivers. If any of us take a short break or request a day off, the subcontracting companies penalize us by deducting money from our salaries. As a result, we are not receiving our full wages despite working long hours. They have also implemented a 'batch system,' where even a 5-minute break results in a downgrade and further salary cuts. This feels like forced labor, and we are under constant pressure and fear of financial punishment. I have attached a screenshot as proof of our work assignments. We seek help to stop this exploitation. Violations by Subcontracting Third-Party Employers Working Hours Limit (Kuwait Labor Law - Article 64): The maximum legal working hours are 8 hours per day or 48 hours per week. Anything beyond this is overtime and must be paid extra with the employee's consent. Mandatory Breaks (Article 66): Employees must be given at least one hour of rest after 5 continuous hours of work. A 14-hour continuous work shift without a break is strictly prohibited under Kuwaiti labor law. Salary Deductions (Article 48 & Article 70): Employers cannot deduct wages unless authorized by law or a court order. Penalizing drivers by reducing wages for taking a short break (even 5 minutes) is illegal. Any batch system used to penalize workers outside of legal guidelines is not permitted under labor law. Paid Leave Rights (Article 70): You are entitled to paid weekly rest and annual leave. Punishing drivers for taking rest days is against the law. What You Can Do: File a Complaint at Shoun (Labor Relations Department): Visit the nearest PAM (Public Authority of Manpower) labor office. Bring a copy of your employment contract and proof of salary deductions or assigned working hours (screenshot, messages, shift plans). Mention the name of the third-party company working under main Delivery Company Call the Labor Helpline:
Arab Times
07-05-2025
- Business
- Arab Times
Can Your Salary Be Reduced In Kuwait? A Guide For Private Sector Workers
In Kuwait's private sector, salary adjustments—whether increases or decreases—are governed by clear labor laws designed to protect employee rights. While employers are free to offer raises based on performance or company policy, they cannot reduce an employee's salary without the worker's explicit written consent. For expatriates working under valid contracts, understanding these rules is essential to ensure fair treatment and avoid unexpected pay cuts. This article breaks down the key legal provisions related to salary changes, helping expat employees and employers stay informed and compliant. Salary Increase – Employee's Right Salary increments are not mandatory by law. Employers may increase salaries at their discretion, based on: Performance evaluations Company policy Market standards Collective labor agreements, if any (usually for larger companies or unions), may contain terms about periodic raises. Salary Decrease – Strictly Regulated An employer cannot reduce an employee's salary without consent. Article 28 of the labor law states: 'It is not permitted to reduce the wage agreed upon in the employment contract unless with the written consent of the employee.' Any unilateral salary cut without the employee's approval is considered illegal. Employers may not force or coerce workers into accepting salary reductions. Doing so can be challenged legally. Important Notes: If your salary is stated in a written contract, it cannot be reduced, even if you verbally agree later, unless a new contract is signed. End-of-service benefits and indemnities are calculated based on your last full salary, not the reduced one (if unlawfully reduced). The Public Authority for Manpower (PAM) handles such complaints and labor disputes in Kuwait. What You Can Do If Your Salary Is Cut Illegally: - File a complaint at the Labor Relations Department in your governorate. - You can also submit a case to the Labor Court if the issue is not resolved through mediation. Hiring Policy – Key Points Employment Contract: Must be written in Arabic (can include another language, but Arabic prevails). Should specify: Job title and responsibilities Salary and benefits Working hours (max 8 hours/day or 48 hours/week) Duration of contract (limited or unlimited) Residency & Work Permit For expats, employers must sponsor the employee and provide: Iqama (residency visa) Work permit The employee cannot legally work for another company without a transfer of sponsorship. Firing / Termination Policy – Explained Termination by Employer Employers can terminate an employee, but must follow these rules: 1. With Just Cause (Article 41): - No notice or indemnity is required to pay if the employee: Commits a serious violation (e.g. theft, assault, repeated absenteeism without valid reason, breach of trust, Conflict of interest, Disclosure risk [trade secrets, customer data etc]) - Fails to meet contractual obligations despite warnings - Is found guilty of gross misconduct 2. Without Cause Notice period must be given: 3 months for monthly-paid workers 1 month for others Termination indemnity (end-of-service) must be paid All accumulated leave, benefits, and pending salaries must be settled Unlawful Termination If termination is proven unjustified, the employee can: - File a labor complaint - Seek compensation for arbitrary dismissal Termination by Employee Employees can resign with: Same notice period (3 months) End-of-service benefit eligibility depends on years of service: - Less than 3 years: 50% indemnity - 3–5 years: 75% - Over 5 years: 100% Probation Period Up to 100 days
