JEDDAH, 15 January 2008 — The Preliminary Committee for Labor Disputes announced that it would make a decision on a complaint made by 500 workers of the Saudi Geological Survey against its management that has denied them the annual housing allowance and medical insurance for the past six years.
The workers are demanding SR80 million in a collective lawsuit. Efforts to reconcile the parties have not succeeded, according to Sultan Al-Bouq, the lawyer representing the employees.
Labor regulations stipulate that the workers are entitled to three months’ salary as housing allowance each year or a minimum of SR8,000. The workers are also entitled to full medical coverage.
Bouq said the preliminary committee would hear the case by the end of the week. However, the case might drag on for several months, the lawyer said.
He pointed out that only those whose names figured in the complaint would benefit in event of a favorable judgment. Others would have to submit a similar complaint if they wanted to get their benefits.
