Oman legalises trade unions
Comments in my previous post on the sketchiness of certain aspects of labour legislation in Oman, have been superseded by the publication of Royal Decree 74/2006, which became effective on 8th July. Labourers can now form trades unions, or syndicates, which will take the place of the representative committees provided for in the earlier version of the Labour Law.
It's still not clear whether the Law relates to all labourers or just Omani employees, but I think it can be argued that it is comprehensive.
The trades unions are to have corporate identities, and are to have total freedom in controlling their affairs. The trades unions will be recognised as being able to represent their members at local, regional and international meetings and conferences.
No worker can be fired for undertaking duties on behalf of a trade union. Employers breaking this article can be handed a penalty of not more than one month's imprisonment and/or a fine of no more than RO500 (approximately US$1,300).
No employer can co-erce employees to undertake work.
It has been left to the Minister of Manpower to "issue a decision allowing collective bargaining to settle disputes and improve working conditions and qualifications, as well as peaceful strikes and shut downs."
Details of this Royal Decree were published in the Oman Observer for 9th July 2006.
Foreign news reports emphasize that the law has been passed prior to the final vote by US Congress on the free trade agreement.
Also see Headlines for July 9th - 15th 2006 and July 16th - 22nd 2006.
It's still not clear whether the Law relates to all labourers or just Omani employees, but I think it can be argued that it is comprehensive.
The trades unions are to have corporate identities, and are to have total freedom in controlling their affairs. The trades unions will be recognised as being able to represent their members at local, regional and international meetings and conferences.
No worker can be fired for undertaking duties on behalf of a trade union. Employers breaking this article can be handed a penalty of not more than one month's imprisonment and/or a fine of no more than RO500 (approximately US$1,300).
No employer can co-erce employees to undertake work.
It has been left to the Minister of Manpower to "issue a decision allowing collective bargaining to settle disputes and improve working conditions and qualifications, as well as peaceful strikes and shut downs."
Details of this Royal Decree were published in the Oman Observer for 9th July 2006.
Foreign news reports emphasize that the law has been passed prior to the final vote by US Congress on the free trade agreement.
Also see Headlines for July 9th - 15th 2006 and July 16th - 22nd 2006.
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