Oman’s labour unions hailed for their contribution to country’s development

Muscat: The General Federation of Oman Workers has celebrated International Workers Day with the objective of highlighting the role of workers in promoting the march of development and the volume of production.

To this effect, a ceremony was held on Monday to mark the occasion under the auspices of Dr. Mahad Said Ba’Owain, Minister of Labour.

Sheikh Nasr Amer Al Hosni, Labour Undersecretary, hailed the positive contribution of Oman labour unions to the country’s development during the peak of coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

This, in turn, reflected positively on the stability of manpower in Omani firms, said Al Hosni.

In reply to a question, Al Hosni explained that the Social Dialogue Committee has been tasked with revising the minimum wage in coordination with the three parties to production: the government (represented by the Labour Ministry), the General Federation of Oman Workers and Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Al Hosni pointed out that the issue of minimum wage was discussed before and will continue to be studied in forthcoming meetings. He noted that the issue needs to be tackled in the backdrops of certain factors, including inflation and economic parameters.

Meanwhile, Nabhan Ahmed Al Battashi, Chairman of the General Federation of Oman Workers, said the issue of wages should be taken up in consultation with social partners.

He added that ILO Agreement No. 131 encourages the establishment of unified bottom-line pay and espouses the principle of consultation with social partners, with options for a mechanism of periodic amendment of the same.

On the sidelines of the ceremony, the minister held a meeting with representatives of labour syndicates and labour unions.

The meeting discussed challenges involved in representing workers and addressing labour issues, including efforts to improve the work environment in the private sector.