UAE Teachers Protest Eid Salary Deductions

UAE Teachers: Unjust Salary Deductions During Eid Al Adha?

In the United Arab Emirates, as the upcoming Eid Al Adha holidays (June 5-8) approach, an increasing number of teachers are raising their voices against a practice they consider unjust: If they take a few days off, schools deduct not only those days but also the intervening public holidays and weekends from their salaries.

What's the problem?

Article 28 of the UAE Labor Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021) clearly states that employees are entitled to full salary on official holidays declared by the UAE Cabinet. If an official holiday falls within a leave period, it cannot be deducted from the salary or leave balance.

Nevertheless, numerous teachers have reported that if, for instance, they take three days off the week before Eid, the HR department deducts the entire week's salary, including holidays and weekends. "Summer and winter breaks are not gifts, they are part of the school year. Public holidays are paid entitlements, not something given generously by the school," said a teacher from one of Dubai's British curriculum schools.

Why do many consider this unfair?

Teachers argue that even requesting a single Monday off can result in a two-day salary deduction as Sunday is also included. This practice discourages many from taking even a single day off. While teachers accept deductions for the actual days off, they do not understand why official, legally protected holidays and weekends are also counted.

What do the authorities say?

According to the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), which oversees private schools in Dubai, issues related to employment contracts and salary deductions fall under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE). A Ministry spokesman confirmed that there are clear guidelines indicating that holidays are separate from annual leave, and schools must comply with the law.

Why do many schools maintain this old practice?

A private school principal stated that their institution does not allow the combination of personal leave with breaks, hence if one takes leave before the holiday, the entire period is deducted from the salary. However, teachers emphasize that just because something has been done for a long time does not make it right.

"If it's just a matter of policy, then why isn't this practice adopted in other sectors? How come hospitals, banks, and companies don't follow the same practice? Are schools above the law?" questioned an experienced teacher.

What do teachers want?

As Eid Al Adha approaches, teachers are increasingly vocal in urging schools to cease unjust deductions and align with federal laws. "We are not asking for favors. We just ask that our salaries not be deducted for official holidays. That's all."

(Source of the article: Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) announcement.)