Scores of workers of a construction firm, having its office in Al Hilal area, have sought the intervention of the Labour authorities after their employer has failed to pay their salaries for the last 3-4 months.

Inquiries made by this newspaper with some of the senior staff have found the company, which is headquartered in Abu Dhabi, and having operations across the region, has been facing a severe financial crunch for close to a year now. One of the staff has moved the court for the settlement of his end of service benefits.

The company, which has many divisions, has not been able to disburse salaries for several months, a source said. Already the firm's officials have been summoned by the Indian embassy more than twice over the issue after it was brought to the mission's attention by the Indian employees. However, the employer has been non-committal on the payment of the arrears.

As several workers were terminated without settling their salary arrears, many of them were unable to bring the matter to the attention of the Labour authorities and their embassies before their departure from the country. The residence permit of several workers have not been renewed, it is learnt.

Though many senior employees have tendered their resignations the company has not accepted their papers as they are unable to settle their arrears, inquiries found.

It is understood that at least five hundred workers are living in their Industrial Area accommodation on the sustenance allowance provided by the main contractors . However, this is far from adequate to meet their personal requirements, said a staffer.

Some of the stranded workers are exploring the possibility of leaving the country during the ongoing amnesty scheme announced by the Ministry of Interior (MoI). However, they have no funds to purchase tickets.

It is also learnt that the company has been put on the black list by the Labour authorities for their failure to comply with the Wage Protection System (WPS) .

Meanwhile, the Indian Community Benevolent Forum (IBF) is stepping up its efforts to help the workers . Its president Arvind Patil said they are in touch with the workers' representatives and efforts are underway to provide them provisions .

The ICBF is trying to involve other organisations as well as the requirements are enormous.

When contacted, a representative of a prominent expatriate organisation said they would join hands with other interested forums to help the workers.