OFW drivers in Saudi Arabia hit low wages, poor housing

Some 30 Filipino truck drivers based in Saudi Arabia have complained of illegal salary deductions and lack of proper accommodation that they said forced them to erect makeshift barracks with no toilet and air-conditioning. Migrante-Middle East said the drivers from Dammam, some of whom have been working there for five years now, have sought assistance in connection with their company’s alleged labor malpractices. “The Filipino drivers also complained that often, deductions are made on their already meager salaries if they commit a traffic violation or any wrongdoing while discharging their duty," Migrante-Middle East regional coordinator John Leonard Monterona said based on the drivers’ written complaints. He added some drivers also disclosed their Iqama (work permit) are being confiscated for “petty" reasons, such as minor problems with or damage to their trucks, or if the drivers fail to reach their destination on time. Filipino worker Johnny Badsegan, one of the truck drivers, said they should be receiving a monthly salary of 1,600 Saudi riyals (about P19,000) based on the original contract they signed with their recruitment agency in the Philippines. However, they were paid only 900 Saudi riyals (about 10,000) including their salary and travel allowance, Badsegan lamented. The drivers are employed by company based in eastern city of Dammam, and were recruited by Askar International Manpower & Services in Manila. According to the drivers, the company is not providing them proper accommodation where they could stay during their days off or when they do not have trips. “What makes the drivers’ situation worse is that they are living in a makeshift barracks without air-conditioning, considering that the climate here is changing from cold, about 10°C, to extremely hot, reaching 45°C during summer. The climate is getting hot now in the Middle East," Monterona explained. In an interview with GMANews.TV, Labor Attache David Des Dicang said they have already asked the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) to compel the drivers’ agency to act on their complaint. He added the Philippine Overseas Labor Office in Al Khobar is likewise scheduled to meet with the company’s project manager on May 3 to resolve the drivers’ complaints. “If the company will not cooperate, we will assist the drivers in filing formal complaints with the Kingdom’s labor office," Dicang said. — Jerrie Abella/KBK, GMANews.TV