“Our problems started in April when two workers complained to the embassy that their salaries were cut illegally and they were deprived of several rights and abused at work place,” one of the workers said on condition of anonymity.

A source at the Consulate of the Philippines in Jeddah said consulate authorities convinced the workers that their demands against Aouni and Bashar Shakir Co., the local Pizza Hut franchise owner, should be met in a manner that is legal. Strikes are illegal in Saudi Arabia.

Aouni and Bashar Shakir Co. looked into the matter earlier this month and agreed to eight demands, including ceasing salary deductions, salary hikes every two years and ceasing the practice of requiring employees to work through prayer times. (Non-Muslim workers in the Kingdom often use prayer times as their only work breaks during their shifts.)

However, not all workers signed the agreement. Thirty-six of the 126 workers signed the agreement, claiming doubts regarding the company's resolve to abide by the agreement.

One worker said he would give the company time to implement the terms of the agreement.

Arab News attempted to contact Aouni and Bashar Shakir Co. but was told the company considers the issue resolved and declined to make further comment.

Under Saudi Labor Law, salary deductions can only be implemented if an employee has committed an infraction of company bylaws and was notified in writing and given an opportunity to provide a response. Salary deductions cannot be used in lieu of terminating an employee who regularly breaks company bylaws.