Doha: The first contractor to work with the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy on the proposed Host Venue at Al Wakrah Stadium has been a “success story” so far from the workers’ welfare perspective, according to an expert who has been following developments in the country for the past seven years.
Silvia Pessoa, an associate teaching professor of English and Sociolinguistics at Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar, who has tracked labour issues here since 2007, said the positive reception of the Workers’ Welfare Standards is an encouraging sign.
“This success story speaks of Qatar’s commitment to ensure the rights of migrant workers building the infrastructure for the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar. The increase in the productivity of the workforce on this project shows that this is a win-win situation for all involved: when workers are satisfied with their working and living conditions, they are likely to be more committed to their jobs, which increases their productivity and benefits the company.”
Amana, the early works contractor at the new Al Wakrah Stadium, the first proposed Host Venue for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, has reported that the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy’s Workers’ Welfare Standards (WWS) have helped create living conditions that improve the overall well-being of its workers, leading to better quality work and greater productivity on the worksite.
The Workers’ Welfare Standards — which are aligned with Qatari Labour Law and international best practice — include specific requirements for operating and maintaining employer-provided worker housing. The standards require contractors to provide free catering and laundry services as well as a deep cleaning program and wireless internet. Contractors that have successfully implemented these standards claim that one benefit of the accommodation guidelines is that workers have fewer responsibilities after work, allowing for more free time to sleep, exercise or communicate with family back home.
Mohamad Hamad, Project Manager for Amana, said: “We have enjoyed a positive relationship with the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy, not only in terms of the successful and safe execution of our early works contract, but also because of the benefits which we have seen for our workforce as a result of key provisions in their standards. When employees have less to do in terms of cooking and housekeeping after work, they are less stressed and have more time to themselves. Experience shows us that employees who are content outside of work are more motivated and do better quality work when they are on the job.”
THE PENINSULA
