KUWAIT CITY, Aug 30: For the second consecutive day the Kuwait Public Transport Company (KPTC) bus drivers have refused to work because the company is ignoring their demand — to withdraw a decision to reduce their salaries by KD 50.

The drivers have called on the Minister of Social Affairs and Labor to look into the issue and because they say they have been exploited by the company since 2009.

The drivers told the Arab Times they have conveyed to the minister the ‘terrible’ living conditions and the unhealthy accommodation the company has provided them infested by bugs and flies.
Chairman of the Workers Union at the Kuwait Public Transport Company Meshaal Al-Enezi said the drivers have gone on strike because the company has not paid them the KD 50 which was approved by the government in 2009.

Al-Enezi added the company has increased the salaries of managers and CEOs by as much as KD 300 and KD 500 in addition to the KD 52,816 compensation paid to the board chairman. The big question mark is: How such a huge amount of money is given away as reward if the company claims that it is running at a loss.

Al-Enezi said the Union is not requesting the company for promotions or any increase but wants to see the rights of the drivers restored by paying them what has been approved by the government — KD 50 for each driver just as it was paid to the Kuwaitis.

One of the drivers complained he did not receive overtime money for the hours he has put in.
The drivers also said the labor law guarantees the rights to the workers but unfortunately for them the labor law has largely remained just ink on paper.

The drivers also complained that they are forced to work for 10 continuous hours in summer and during Ramadan.