Dubai, March 11 (UNI) Thousands of construction workers belonging to ETA Ascon company here stopped work demanding an increase in salary, which has remained stagnant for over 18 years.

The workers of the company are demanding a rise in their basic salary as they consider it to be too low. Their wages range from Dh550 to 650 per month depending on the agreement each has signed.

The workers demand an increase of Dh250 to 450.

One worker told that despite having worked for all seven days in the company for nearly 20 years, he was still on the same salary now as he received when he arrived in the UAE.

The management would study their demand and respond in one week's time, a statement sent to Gulf News by ETA Ascon said.

The Indian Consulate said ETA told them that the wages were being paid regularly and facilities were provided as per the labour laws.

''They assured that they would address all genuine grievances of the workers,'' BS Mubarak, Consul Labour, Welfare and Information, told Gulf News.

The company pays its workers on time and protesting in such a fashion is not acceptable, a company spokesman said.

UNI