Legal cover for trade union members

Representatives of workers in labour unions or the General Federation of Oman Trade Unions cannot be subjected to punishments like suspension or dismissal by an employer.

According to Yaqoob al Kharbooshi from Directorate of Labour Care in the Ministry of Manpower, the Omani law guarantees legal protection to a trade union member.

“Article 110 of the Labour Code guarantees legal protection to a trade union member if his activity is in accordance with law and the ministerial decision implementing it,” he said. In case, the employer or his representative fails to comply with the provisions of Article 110, the penalty stipulated in Article 112 of the same law may be applied to them.

The law stipulates that the employer or his representative shall be punished by imprisonment for a period not exceeding one month and a fine not exceeding RO 500 or one of these two penalties.

The punishment can be given if the employer refrains from providing the necessary facilities, data or correct information, or performs any act which deprives the worker of his right to engage in his trade union activities or obstruct the formation of trade unions or the General Federation of Oman Trade Unions.

The total number of trade unions registered with the Ministry of Manpower in the oil and gas sector stand at 60. According to Article 108 of the Labour Law, workers can form trade unions among themselves to protect their interests, defend their rights, improve their physical and social status and represent them in all matters related to their affairs.

At the same time, Ministerial Decision No 2018/500 sets out the procedures for the formation, operation and registration of trade unions and the General Federation Oman Trade Unions.

Al Kharbooshi said that the ministry has developed a system of complaints and communications, through which employees can file their complaints their employers electronically.