(MENAFN- Arab Times) KUWAIT CITY March 18: In this week's Arab Times online poll readers weighed in on the criteria that Embassies in Kuwait should adhere to in their efforts in implementing a minimum pay scale for their nationals working in the country.
The majority of respondents felt that work experience and job knowledge should be the deciding factor. 54% of respondents felt that work experience and job knowledge were more vital in determining minimum wage rather than qualifications and degrees the risk factor attached to a particular job or that of nationality. 'I think there is a great need to set a minimum wage here for labour. It will greatly benefit low income and unskilled workers and keep them from being exploited' a reader stated. 'Minimum wage affects everyone if the government will set up a wage floor above market wage rates I hope it would positively influence the wages of those earning more than the minimum wage' a banking professional stated. 'If there is a minimum wage set for skilled workers based on their experience and knowledge it would help retain employees that perform well at their jobs. I think this will greatly incentivise employment across sectors' another voter commented.
Some readers expressed reservations and felt that Embassies should not interfere in this regard as it could lead to employers demanding less labour or push towards illegal employment to avoid paying the legal minimum.
37% of the voters felt that a minimum pay scale should be set based on the qualifications and degrees for expatriates. 'I think it is very unfair that people with no qualifications and wasta sometimes get better positions and better pay than those who are more qualified. Although I don't think this problem can be solved in one shot a pay scale based on educational qualifications will bring about some amount of fairness in this regard' a young professional told the Arab Times. 5% of voters felt that the amount of risk involved should determine the pay scale. 'There are a lot of workers who handle heavy machinery and equipment or work in dangerous conditions I think the risk they take should be reflected in their pay' a voter commented.
4% felt that minimum pay scale should be determined on the basis of nationality. 'It is sad that today we can still find companies and institutions where workers get paid according to the colour of their skin. A westerner will make much more than someone from South Asia at a teaching job and get more benefits although both may be equally qualified and good at their jobs. I think the Embassies should intervene to bring about some wage equilibrium' a reader pointed out.
By: Cinatra Fernandes Arab Times Staff
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