Workers Push for Minimum Wage

Friday, 02 November 2007
By Kholood F. Al-Rhamah

JEDDAH - The Ministry of Labor recently reported that officials were considering a minimum wage for private-sector employees, to keep salaries in line with the Kingdom's inflation.
Saudi Gazette asked employees what they thought. Nadia Ali, a private-school English teacher, considered the news a breeze of hope for more money - and some breathing room.

"I really wish they do it, because working full time and making SR1,500 a month is unfair to all of us," she said.

Doaa Al-Qurashi, a translator, said employers should give Saudi workers what they deserve. "I'm a married women with commitments," she said. "We have higher degrees and deserve better salaries."

Fahad Al-Amri, a security guard, was thrilled. "It is only fair to ask for a pay raise after the inflation in prices everywhere," he said. "The price of a bag of rice is double what it was worth two years ago, so what can a man with a big family and a low salary do to fulfill his family's needs?"