Dr Obaid Al Shaqsi,

Syndicates, unions and manpower ministry intervene to resolve the issues of workers

Workers who have a grievance in Oman can approach the Human Rights Commission and have their concerns addressed promptly, according to the commission’s General Secretary. More than 200 committees dedicated to workers’ rights have been formed in the Sultanate, drawing on expertise from across government departments.

These ‘syndicates’ are designed to resolve issues over pay and entitlements as quickly as possible, according to Dr Obaid Al Shaqsi, Secretary-General of the Oman Human Rights Commission (OHRC).

The legal rights of employees will always be secured, noted Dr Al Shaqsi.

Human rights

Dr Al Shaqsi, speaking exclusively to the Times of Oman, said that companies across the various employment sectors in Oman often formed their own committees to deal with cases of human rights violations at the workplace.

These committees offer employees the first line of defence and work closely with representatives from the OHRC, as well as the Ministry of Manpower, the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI), and trade unions.

“They look after human rights perspectives and are very close to the needs of the people who are working. You do have one union for the entire sector, as well. There are three unions and, of these, the general union encompasses all the syndicates and unions at the same time. They deal with these types of violations and with any shortcomings of companies,” Dr Al Shaqsi said.

“The syndicates relate to a certain field of employment or specialisation. The oil field has its own syndicates, and the construction field has its own syndicates, for example,” he added.

“The OHRC is also in collaboration with them, and we are composed of many members, one of whom comes from the trade union, another from the OCCI, as well as one from the Ministry of Manpower. We look after all of these things, as well.”