JEDDAH: The Labor Office in Jeddah is investigating a major catering firm that supplies meals to over 30 airlines, including Saudi Arabian Airlines, after over 100 Saudi employees filed a case complaining of discrimination and slave-like work conditions.
In a signed document, 112 Saudia Catering employees alleged that the company is violating labor laws and endangering national security by employing overstayers in its operations department — the final line before food and drink are boarded onto aircraft.
Employees say they are fed up with the company’s illegal activities and are supporting their allegations with evidence collected over several months, a copy of which Arab News acquired.
The Labor Office, according to employees, has conducted a surprise inspection of the firm and taken copies of employees’ identification cards and work permits.
In a telephone call, Saudia Catering played down that a major investigation is under way. “The inspection conducted by the Labor Office the day before yesterday is part of their regular inspections,” said Hisham Salman, public relations manager of Saudia Catering.
He said the Labor Office has not informed the company of a complaint and that one or two employees might have lodged a complaint but not a hundred.
However, an official from the Labor Office, who asked to remain anonymous, said the company has been informed and that investigations into the complaints have started.
Employees allege problems began two years ago with the appointment of a new unit manager who began shifting Saudis from jobs that met their qualifications to jobs unrelated to their training and education level, such as technicians being moved to manual work.
Meanwhile, unqualified foreign workers who do not possess correct work permits, have been given supervisory positions. The complainants also allege that only 20 percent of the Saudia Catering work force is Saudi, a figure that is well below the 75:25 ratio as required under Saudi law for companies in the sector.
“Labor Minister Ghazi Al-Gosaibi previously stated that the Kingdom is not a recruitment agency or an employment office for foreigners. All our country’s jobs must be for our sons and daughters,” said one of the Saudi employees who has been working for Saudia Catering for nearly 10 years.
“We don’t want all the jobs as stated by the minister, we just want the jobs that are currently reserved by his office for Saudis,” said the employee, who asked his name not be published.
The employees also allege their marriages are strained due to being forced to work long shifts, sometimes up to 16 hours a day, and on their days off. Those who do not comply are punished.
“This has created a problem for us in our homes. Our wives are not convinced that we’re being forced to constantly work long hours and on our days off and holidays,” said an employee. “Some of the guys have even got divorced,” he added.
The employees are also calling for Saudia Catering to define the nature of their jobs, and offer them fair working hours, appropriate salaries, housing allowances, payment for overtime and any other expenses as required under Saudi labor law.
“We want to feel a sense of job security and want to develop in our professions. It is our right as Saudi citizens to get first priority for jobs and to have the ability to make use of our country’s resources,” said another employee, a father of five who also asked his name not be published.
“We don’t want any special treatment. We want to make an honest living. If any one slacks in performing his duties then it’s the company’s right to take action. But I assure you that we’re committed and that is why it has been so hard for them to get rid of us,” he said.
“I work to support six people other than myself. I need this job. I’m getting old and the chances of starting a new career as I grow old are getting harder,” he added.
Another employee who has been working for the company for over 15 years said the last promotion he received was 11 years ago. “I am now being paid for my long services by getting yearly contracts,” he said.
“We’ve backed our case with sufficient evidence. We’re not going to get tired and back off or slack, as the company wants us to. On the contrary, we’re not going to give them what they want,” said another employee.
