UAE Schoolteachers Voice Concern Over Alleged Salary Deductions During Eid Al Adha
Educators Challenge Salary Reductions during Eid Al Adha Break in UAE
With Eid Al Adha holidays fast approaching, starting on June 5, certain schoolteachers in the UAE have raised concerns regarding the classification of their absence during the holiday period. Teachers allege that their entire absence, including weekends and Eid holidays, is being deducted from their salaries when they take a few days off to travel.
As per Article 28 of Federal Decree Law No. (33) of 2021, employees are entitled to full pay on public holidays declared by the UAE Cabinet. In cases where a public holiday falls within a period of annual leave, it must not be deducted from the salary or leave balance.
Several teachers claim that this policy is being disregarded across multiple schools.
A teacher at a British curriculum school in Dubai shared her experience, stating, "I took three days off before Eid to visit my family abroad. However, HR already informed me that my salary will be docked for the entire week, including the Eid holidays and the weekend. When I raised questions, they said this is standard practice and teachers already get ample time off during the summer and winter."
Teachers dispute this, arguing that such breaks are not a mere privilege, but an integral part of the academic calendar. They contend that public holidays, which are legally compensated, are being treated as optional or conditional by schools.
Teachers union representatives elaborate that even taking a single day off, like a Monday, could result in two days' salary being withheld due to clubbing the Monday with Sunday. "If you take Monday off, they consider both Sunday and Monday as leave days and deduct accordingly," a teacher from an Indian school explained.
This allegedly discourages teachers from taking even a day off. On the contrary, teachers maintain that they don't object to receiving reduced pay for the actual days they take off, but they find it unacceptable that the Eid holidays and weekends, which are legally remunerated, are also treated as unpaid.
Several teachers shared their experiences with Khaleej Times, suggesting that the practice is widespread, regardless of the curriculum type (British or Indian). "It doesn't matter which school or curriculum I've worked at. This practice seems to be universal," a teacher who has worked in four different schools over the past 20 years commented.
Upon reaching out to the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), which regulates private schools in Dubai, the authority stated that matters related to employment contracts and salary deductions fall under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE).
A representative at MoHRE reinforced the legal position, emphasizing that Eid holidays are separate from annual leave under UAE law. He added, "Eid holidays are Eid holidays, and entities should adhere to the law."
Major operators of a private school network in the UAE declined to comment when contacted by Khaleej Times. A principal of a private Asian school admitted that their policy does not allow teachers to club any breaks with personal leave. As a result, if leave is taken before Eid, deductions will apply for the entire period, including the Eid break.
However, teachers argue that long-standing practices should not justify unfair ones. "Just because this has been happening for years does not make it right," a teacher shared. "If this is about policy, then why don't other sectors follow the same practice? Why do hospitals, banks, and companies not dock salaries in a similar fashion? Are schools above the law?"
As Eid Al Adha draws near, teachers are urging school management to rectify this issue by rescinding unfair deductions and aligning with federal law. "We are not asking for a favour. We simply want our salaries for public holidays to remain untouched," a frustrated teacher stated.
[1] UAE Labor Law on Public Holidays and Salary Deductions Under UAE labor law, employees are entitled to paid leave on official public holidays, such as Eid Al Adha. Employers are generally not permitted to deduct wages from an employee’s salary for official holidays unless those holidays are counted as part of the employee’s annual leave, which is not standard practice. Any unauthorized salary deduction for official public holidays may be considered illegal, except under specific conditions outlined in employment contracts or company policies that have been lawfully communicated and do not contradict federal regulations.
[2] How to Report Unlawful Salary Deduction If you believe your salary has been unlawfully deducted for a public holiday such as Eid Al Adha, consider the following steps:- Gather documentation (pay slips, employment contract, and any written communication regarding salary or holiday policies)- Contact HR or school administration (clarify and resolve the issue internally)- File a complaint with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE)- Consult a labor lawyer or legal consultant specializing in UAE labor law for further guidance (if needed)
- Teachers argue that Salary deductions during Eid Al Adha holidays are discouraging them from taking necessary breaks, as they are unfairly treated when the Eid holidays and weekends are considered unpaid.
- A frustrated teacher asserted that the practice of unlawful salary deductions for public holidays such as Eid Al Adha is not justifiable just because it has been occurring for years, questioning why schools are exempted from following the same rules as other sectors.
- To address this issue, the teachers are urging school management to adhere to the UAE Labor Law on Education and Self-Development, which entitles employees to paid leave on official public holidays like Eid Al Adha, ensuring fairness and compliance with federal law.
