Kuwait's deputy prime minister says the Cabinet has set a minimum wage for Asian laborers who work for the government. The Kuwait News Agency quotes Faisal Al-Hajji as saying Monday the Cabinet decided to make companies who contract laborers for the government pay workers at least 40 dinars, or $150, a month. This is double what most workers make now. Demonstrations by thousands of laborers, mostly from Bangladesh, demanding pay hikes and better living conditions turned violent late last month. Authorities said they would support their demand for better pay but will punish rioters who damaged property. Hundreds have been deported since. The workers are contracted by private companies to clean offices, streets and hospitals. Meanwhile, Kuwait may bring in tough penalties for employers abusing foreign workers and maids as a result of criticism by the United States and violent protests by Asian workers demanding better pay and conditions.
