Make annual pay rises mandatory
Dear Sir,
I support the sentiments expressed by Hamidullah Hamidi in his letter, “Water and power price hike shocks” (Gulf Times, October 18).
The water and electricity tariff increase will add to the financial burden of many expatriate workers who are already struggling hard to make ends meet. Many companies don’t offer annual salary increments to their workers who are reeling under the general price increase. Because of this, the income of a section of the salaried class remains static.
Prices of everything are going up. Almost all food items are dearer now compared to the same period last year. Tomato, fish, eggs are unaffordable to many. I have stopped buying fish altogether.  
The educational expenses are also steadily going up. My company doesn’t offer any educational allowance to its employees and a chunk of my earnings go to pay for our two children’s school fees. Thank God that my wife is also working; otherwise it would be impossible to live here with my salary alone. I hope that the rent of my small flat will not be increased this year-end when the contract is being renewed. Otherwise we will have to look around for a new place, cheaper and smaller.
My salary has not been revised for the last three years. The last time my employers gave a salary rise was in 2012. It is not that our company is doing badly; instead it is making good profits. But a percentage of it is seldom passed on to its employees who work tirelessly and sincerely for the company.
Annual salary rises, if the company is doing well, must be a legal obligation.

RH
(Full name and address supplied)

Reckless driving in Barwa City
Dear Sir,
I would like to draw the attention of authorities concerned to the reckless driving by some youngsters in the residential area of Barwa City. They drive even at nights, posing risks to other motorists and pedestrians.
The other day, a speeding vehicle hit one student crossing the road in the area and injured him. The injured student was taken to hospital by ambulance. The residents fear more such crashes if these dangerous drivers go unchecked.
I request authorities to take appropriate measures to control such driving fanatics in the area and give relief to worried residents who are scared to let their children out.

M Khursheed Uddin  
(Address supplied)