Dubai: From riches to rags BBC Panorama tonight 8:30 UK:
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Why do you need a maid or a gardener? A man is very proud of his backyard deck and grass in the good old U.S.A. but here? You pay 50 dirhams for a poor sucker.
Maid? Your wife drives to different malls in a tank that sucks 10 gallons per minute and the maid works her a$$ off.
So don’t come with this b.s. about human rights.
Maid? Your wife drives to different malls in a tank that sucks 10 gallons per minute and the maid works her a$$ off.
So don’t come with this b.s. about human rights.
The guy I sacked was from northern india, the new guy is from bangladesh (they work for less) and he does a better job, to me thats merely a free market.
As for the 10 gallon monster, try 15 gallons, imperial ones at that!
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I get paid for doing a job! End of story!
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Good for you man, I respect you a lot! You don't fly EK because they treat people bad, wow what a statement.
Lets see you don't fly any other airline because your money shouldn't go towards the fuel, after all it all goes to these rich arabs. I assume you don't own a car for the same reason and perhaps you don't even have a bike, it's made in China where we all know people are treated like sh@t. You don't own any Nike nor Adidas product, those kids are treated like slaves and finally SA: wow man, the birth of respect and fair treatment of the locals......
Falcon: dude you are funny, you made me laugh but you are missing the point: all these human rights activists crying a river about the poor workers, yet some of them do the same thing. Some people only look at one side of the coin.... halas
Lets see you don't fly any other airline because your money shouldn't go towards the fuel, after all it all goes to these rich arabs. I assume you don't own a car for the same reason and perhaps you don't even have a bike, it's made in China where we all know people are treated like sh@t. You don't own any Nike nor Adidas product, those kids are treated like slaves and finally SA: wow man, the birth of respect and fair treatment of the locals......
Falcon: dude you are funny, you made me laugh but you are missing the point: all these human rights activists crying a river about the poor workers, yet some of them do the same thing. Some people only look at one side of the coin.... halas
Capetonian you would never see that in Africa would you? Whats that thing about glasshouses and rocks?
the Don
the Don
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Captonian
Now you're in trouble, it looks like you pizzed off Donpizmeoff!
Donpizzmeoff
Your argument does not work. Where is Capetonian condoning what is effective slavery? He is certainly not condoning it in South Africa anywhere is he? So how can you start the glass houses argument? Just because he may have been born there, that makes him responsible? If he were saying 'everything is brill in Africa, take a leaf out of our book', fair enough, but he has actually said only a few posts ago that he believes the situation there is crap.
I also find it all a bit stomach wrenching to be honest, as I said earlier, Sodom and Gomorrah. As for Falconeasydriver with his free market concept bolleux. It never ceases to amaze me how I see foreigners in Asia and the Middle East trying to screw every last piece of currency out of people that can barely scrape a living. Not buying something because the market trader won't go down another 25 cents, and when they do the rejoicing on the part of the buyer resembles something akin to just signing a multi million pound deal.
I hope Falconeasydriver feels just great about getting his new gardner for 65 dhs a month less, not even the price of a beer is it, yet it is a massive amount of money to the individual concerned, particularly when he sends it home to his family. Next time when the desperate Bangladeshi comes to give a quote for doing your Garden and says with his head down '185 Dhs a month sir', try saying, I tell you what, I'll give you 250, now do a good job for me. That way you also probably ensure that the 'special plant food' he brings, isn't the carrier bag he took a dump in while traveling an hour on the bus that morning.
Sodom and Gomorrah. Anyone believe in Karma?
Now you're in trouble, it looks like you pizzed off Donpizmeoff!
Donpizzmeoff
Your argument does not work. Where is Capetonian condoning what is effective slavery? He is certainly not condoning it in South Africa anywhere is he? So how can you start the glass houses argument? Just because he may have been born there, that makes him responsible? If he were saying 'everything is brill in Africa, take a leaf out of our book', fair enough, but he has actually said only a few posts ago that he believes the situation there is crap.
I also find it all a bit stomach wrenching to be honest, as I said earlier, Sodom and Gomorrah. As for Falconeasydriver with his free market concept bolleux. It never ceases to amaze me how I see foreigners in Asia and the Middle East trying to screw every last piece of currency out of people that can barely scrape a living. Not buying something because the market trader won't go down another 25 cents, and when they do the rejoicing on the part of the buyer resembles something akin to just signing a multi million pound deal.
I hope Falconeasydriver feels just great about getting his new gardner for 65 dhs a month less, not even the price of a beer is it, yet it is a massive amount of money to the individual concerned, particularly when he sends it home to his family. Next time when the desperate Bangladeshi comes to give a quote for doing your Garden and says with his head down '185 Dhs a month sir', try saying, I tell you what, I'll give you 250, now do a good job for me. That way you also probably ensure that the 'special plant food' he brings, isn't the carrier bag he took a dump in while traveling an hour on the bus that morning.
Sodom and Gomorrah. Anyone believe in Karma?
Last edited by Henry09; 30th Jun 2011 at 14:29.
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Thank you Henry09, you said it for me. I think donpizmeov probably didn't bother to read a few posts back to where I said There are no double standards in Zuma's land, it's openly racist, corrupt, and inept.
It's the old story about 'none so blind', and it reminds me of a girl who worked for me once, she happened to be a black American, I'd 'inherited' her from a previous manager and called in my new team one by one for an introductory chat. I noticed her attitude to me was unpleasant and asked her what the problem was to which I got the reply :
"You are racist." When I asked her why she thought this, she said : "Because you're white and South African."
It's the old story about 'none so blind', and it reminds me of a girl who worked for me once, she happened to be a black American, I'd 'inherited' her from a previous manager and called in my new team one by one for an introductory chat. I noticed her attitude to me was unpleasant and asked her what the problem was to which I got the reply :
"You are racist." When I asked her why she thought this, she said : "Because you're white and South African."
henry and Capetonian,
I am afraid the greed I see here is pretty much the same as the greed I see in some parts of Sydney, London, LA, Singapore, Hong Kong etc etc. The population of the UAE is equal to or less than any of these cities so that should be a good comparison shouldn't it? Take a proper look in any of these places and you find poverty, deprivation and exploitation.
I am never going to support the all is good in Dubai stance. Its not! Some groups of people here are horrid. However other groups are fantastic. Just like any of the cites mentioned before.
I do get sick of the self righteous folk that make emotional statements like cape did. Does boycotting Dubai really give you moral high ground over WK who works here? Does boycotting here help anyone except yourself?
I do admit I too am embarrassed with statements like those of Falcon driver. These folk are the ones that will be outraged when their own employer treats them badly, but will screw all those who work for them. I have met a few who fall in this category when here, and yes henry I do believe in Karma.
the Don
I am afraid the greed I see here is pretty much the same as the greed I see in some parts of Sydney, London, LA, Singapore, Hong Kong etc etc. The population of the UAE is equal to or less than any of these cities so that should be a good comparison shouldn't it? Take a proper look in any of these places and you find poverty, deprivation and exploitation.
I am never going to support the all is good in Dubai stance. Its not! Some groups of people here are horrid. However other groups are fantastic. Just like any of the cites mentioned before.
I do get sick of the self righteous folk that make emotional statements like cape did. Does boycotting Dubai really give you moral high ground over WK who works here? Does boycotting here help anyone except yourself?
I do admit I too am embarrassed with statements like those of Falcon driver. These folk are the ones that will be outraged when their own employer treats them badly, but will screw all those who work for them. I have met a few who fall in this category when here, and yes henry I do believe in Karma.
the Don
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I do admit I too am embarrassed with statements like those of Falcon driver. These folk are the ones that will be outraged when their own employer treats them badly, but will screw all those who work for them. I have met a few who fall in this category when here, and yes henry I do believe in Karma.
IMHO, those on here who would throw stones without the benefit of knowing the real circumstance should keep their horsehyte opinions to themselves, at least until they decide to do a bit about sorting out their own backyard?
My old gardener FWIW, has plenty of work and is far from the breadline, he is however too expensive for the purpose for which he was employed, its that simple,
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Interesting, isn't it, that some of us view 250 dhs as too expensive for the job that's required. Even for the smallest 'yard' with no grass, i'd imagine that he arrives every morning, 6 days a week for maybe 20 minutes to water the pot plants, sweep up the leaves and generally keep your yard in a tidy and presentable state.
I agree that we shouldn't employ people if they can't do the job, but what I can't understand is the logic of feeling better with the 65 dhs you've saved is better off in your pocket than the new gardeners?
Just because we live in a society that exploits people is no reason to justify your own meaness. Behaviour breeds behaviour and your justification for 'paying market rate' merely highlights you in no different a light than those greedy individuals and Companies most respecting people so greatly despise. What Country we live in makes no difference.
Harry
I agree that we shouldn't employ people if they can't do the job, but what I can't understand is the logic of feeling better with the 65 dhs you've saved is better off in your pocket than the new gardeners?
Just because we live in a society that exploits people is no reason to justify your own meaness. Behaviour breeds behaviour and your justification for 'paying market rate' merely highlights you in no different a light than those greedy individuals and Companies most respecting people so greatly despise. What Country we live in makes no difference.
Harry
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I have had 5 "Gardeners" in Silicon. They all start off great and then things slip. Then I give them two chances. Then I sack them. Many people are sick of paying the cartel price of 250 AED per month regardless of the size of garden. The guy who suggested paying Mr. 185 the sum of 250 a month clearly has a good heart. I tried the same thing. I got screwed.... They don't come at all and then swear blind they have been and often don't cut the lawn until it is very long. Or they are there for 10 minutes every 2nd day. They don't put enough fertiliser and suggest planting more grass so they can make more money. Please think of the numbers here. Assume our boys "work" 20 mins per visit. And 6 hours a day for 6 days at 250 AED. That works out as 27,000 AED a week. And 108,000 a month. I want a good job. I am happy to pay. But I won't get screwed by my "Gardener" I am sure lots of other Silicon residents will know where i am coming from.
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To the guy who said: coming here was not free choice...it was the only option to put bread on the table.
So, of the 500 airlines around the world, this was the only one that bailed you out.
Perhaps some appreciation is in order of the airline and city that feeds what would otherwise have been hungry mouths...somewhat akin to the maids and labourers you discuss, n'est pas?
f.
So, of the 500 airlines around the world, this was the only one that bailed you out.
Perhaps some appreciation is in order of the airline and city that feeds what would otherwise have been hungry mouths...somewhat akin to the maids and labourers you discuss, n'est pas?
f.
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777boyindubai
Back to school for you my friend! Thank goodness you have a colleague who can check your fuel calculations.
250 is a 'monthly' payment, not daily. If you assume that they do work 6 hours a day, 3 houses an hour, that equates to 18 houses a day. The same houses, day after day. 18 x 250 = 4,500 per month, not 108,000!
Still, not bad but the company that employs them will see most of that. Those gardeners that don't work insuch a confined compound as DSO will probably spend another 10 minutes on their bikes between jobs.....in hot and humid conditions so I doubt they even have 18 rounds. 10 would be more realistic
As I said before, if they take the piss, get rid. But, why not give the guy an official 200 and give him another 50 for his back pocket if he's reliable? It's a 2way street. And by the way, i've seen some of the gardens in DSO and to expect a monthly charge of only 250 if you have bushes, flowers and a bloody big lawn to mow, it's no wonder they bugger off!
Harry
Back to school for you my friend! Thank goodness you have a colleague who can check your fuel calculations.
250 is a 'monthly' payment, not daily. If you assume that they do work 6 hours a day, 3 houses an hour, that equates to 18 houses a day. The same houses, day after day. 18 x 250 = 4,500 per month, not 108,000!
Still, not bad but the company that employs them will see most of that. Those gardeners that don't work insuch a confined compound as DSO will probably spend another 10 minutes on their bikes between jobs.....in hot and humid conditions so I doubt they even have 18 rounds. 10 would be more realistic
As I said before, if they take the piss, get rid. But, why not give the guy an official 200 and give him another 50 for his back pocket if he's reliable? It's a 2way street. And by the way, i've seen some of the gardens in DSO and to expect a monthly charge of only 250 if you have bushes, flowers and a bloody big lawn to mow, it's no wonder they bugger off!
Harry
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You guys are paying over the odds!!! In DIC I've paid 150 AED a month for years.... And yes - they do need reminding to cut the grass and trim the hedges from time to time but they're very nice chaps
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I can't believe that anyone is posting on a subject that was posted 2 years ago and then faded away. This just recycles the same old crap and brings it back to the fore.
Oh crap I have just done the same.
Time to move on I think.
DD
Oh crap I have just done the same.
Time to move on I think.
DD
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Harry, the numbers are off. All the gardeners I have had come once a week and spend, at most, an hour. They get paid 250-300 dhms month. I don't know anyone who has one that comes daily.
For that they mow the lawn pick up a few leaves. For that money I would expect them to come at minimum twice a week--but that never happens. As mentioned, you threaten to fire them and they promise the world and then ---nothing. We can't even get ours to commit to something as simple as coming every Sat morning at 9am!!!
While I feel bad for some of these workers at times, I also realize that they will cheat right to he point of losing work and even then they seem to care little.
For that they mow the lawn pick up a few leaves. For that money I would expect them to come at minimum twice a week--but that never happens. As mentioned, you threaten to fire them and they promise the world and then ---nothing. We can't even get ours to commit to something as simple as coming every Sat morning at 9am!!!
While I feel bad for some of these workers at times, I also realize that they will cheat right to he point of losing work and even then they seem to care little.
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Hi Harry,
I would love to agree with you about going back to school. At least I wouldn't be doing turn-arounds....
Just to clarify. The boys go to many many different "clients" They don't go back and rob the same families. They "do" lots and lots of villas. That is why the don't and can't come every day or second day. Don't ring the bell, Can't come at 900am etc.
I know people at Western Union who tell me about the huge amounts of money some of these "gardners" send home. Most goes to the company that employs them. However, don't be fooled by the knackered Toyota....
I don't think too many of us are impressed with our horticultural friends in Silicon.
Please can all of us continue to keep this a civilised and fun thread.......for a change?
Thanks for your comment, Harry. I should have explained it a little better. I am very happy for you to check my fuel calculations anytime!
Cheers!
I would love to agree with you about going back to school. At least I wouldn't be doing turn-arounds....
Just to clarify. The boys go to many many different "clients" They don't go back and rob the same families. They "do" lots and lots of villas. That is why the don't and can't come every day or second day. Don't ring the bell, Can't come at 900am etc.
I know people at Western Union who tell me about the huge amounts of money some of these "gardners" send home. Most goes to the company that employs them. However, don't be fooled by the knackered Toyota....
I don't think too many of us are impressed with our horticultural friends in Silicon.
Please can all of us continue to keep this a civilised and fun thread.......for a change?
Thanks for your comment, Harry. I should have explained it a little better. I am very happy for you to check my fuel calculations anytime!
Cheers!
Last edited by 777boyindubai; 2nd Jul 2011 at 05:18.
