Labour disputes
According to the Tanfeedh proposal, dedicated courts will reduce the average length of labour disputes from 585 days to 204, which on average reflect a 30 per cent reduction.
Ahmed Al Hooti, an Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) member, hoped that this would further improve the private sector in Oman.
“All of these proposals are positive and work to advance the situation with the private sector, which gives the private sector further ability to compete, further liberties, and further ability to overcome the current challenges and obstacles. The topic of efficiency in labour disputes appears to be among the top priorities and interests,” he said.
However, Al Hooti emphasised the importance of experience over training, with regards to labour issues.
“First of all, individuals with specialised training must have experience. It is not enough to just train or study this topic - it is equally important that these individuals also have experience with handling and dealing with labour cases, as well as cases relating to expat and Omani employment within the private sector,” Al Hooti explained.
He also hoped that the progress with the Tanfeedh proposals would speed up court proceedings for all parties.
“Today, we have disputes and problems that are qualitative in nature, which are presented to the judiciary, and take a very long time to be resolved. This waiting period in itself is what causes problems with private sector companies, as well as employees in the sector.”
“Therefore, the existence of these experts with knowledge, awareness and experience will enable us, without a doubt, to ease judiciary procedure, and each party receiving their fair dues quickly.
What we are most concerned with is the speed of the legal process and its procedures, and that the laws are just and fair to all parties, regardless of whether it’s a company or an employee,” he added. Mohammed Farji, a trade unionist in Oman, believes that a speedy remedy for labour disputes is a positive move.
“Now, in some cases, it takes a long time, putting the affected worker into more trouble. The government should consider the Tanfeedh proposals to help the workers, who get stuck during these disputes,” the trade unionists told Times of Oman recently.
One worker, who hasn’t been paid in months, said: “This is good news for workers as most of the people don’t approach courts as it takes a lot of time.”