MP slams student arrests
Call for flexible work hours
By Ahmed Al-Naqeeb
KUWAIT CITY, Sept 9: MP Muhammad Hayef criticized the recent arrest of students subjected to Mandatory Military Service Law, attributing the poor implementation of the law to the failure to electronically link concerned authorities through the governmental network.
He pointed out this is an important law that demands stern enforcement, but the manner by which it is currently implemented is unacceptable as students are being apprehended at airports and borders for late registration.
He asserted the law stipulates several easements and point of postponement which should be considered before resorting to legal action, and that it is not being addressed as concerned authorities are not electronically linked on this matter.
On the other hand, MP Osama Al-Shaheen submitted a proposal to implement the flexible working hours policy for public sector workers in a manner that the employees’ rights are safeguarded. He said this will significantly reduce traffic congestion during rush hours and relieve citizens from the stress that comes with juggling work, errands and government paperwork as the working hours are fixed in the morning time.
He highlighted the success of other countries in implementing this policy, as the rate of processed paperwork increased while pressure on employees and visitors decreased. He said governmental buildings will be able to stay open for longer periods if employees are given flexible working hours. For example, some employees will gladly work longer if they are allowed to start work at a later time the next day, he added.
He argued this proposal will only bear fruit if choice, flexibility and productivity regulations for employees are enforced; while continuity, coordination and sound management are ensured for the governmental authority.
Furthermore, MP Ali Al-Deqbasi called on the parliamentary Economic and Financial Affairs Committee to expedite its report on the bill allowing parents working in the public sector to go on leave in order to take care of the family for a period of one to five years.
He pointed out the Legal and Legislative Affairs Committee approved this bill on June 6, 2017 but it has been left pending for deliberations at the Economics and Financial Affairs Committee. He underscored the importance of the bill as the Kuwaiti household will greatly benefit from it.
The bill guarantees equality between employees in the public and private sectors because it allows public sector employees to obtain a commercial license and work on their own businesses, similar to their counterparts in the private sector, he concluded.