LANDMARK PATERNITY RULING FOR DADS
Some new fathers have already been granted paternity leave, thanks to trade unions
A number of new fathers have been granted paternity leave in Oman. The privilege was granted, in what is believed to be for the first time in the Sultanate, after trade union leaders struck a deal with employers.
Omani fathers were given three days of leave upon the birth of their child—a move which the federation would like to be made more formal.
Women working in the private sector currently enjoy a special 50-day maternity leave covering periods before and after delivery, with full salary. However, this leave cannot be used more than three times during the employee’s service with the employer, unless she has moved to another firm.
The Ministry of Manpower has been firm in its protection of women’s rights in the workplace. The rules regarding maternity leave are stipulated in Labour Law No. 35/2003, Article 83.
The provision for maternity leave is in place, as it is only natural for women to need rest to regain their health and strength after childbirth. Mothers also need time to take care of their infant children and breastfeed them.
The importance of establishing a bond between mother and child during the latter’s infancy has prompted the General Federation of Oman Trade Unions (GFOTU) to follow up and research the condition of female workers in the private sector.
Through its research, the GFOTU found that “there is a commitment by employers to grant their workers maternity leave, although there are a few complaints”.
Cases regarding maternity leave that reach the GFOTU, whether through trade unions or direct complaints from female employees, involve “claims to increase the period of leave to more than 50 days and to increase the number of times that working women are entitled to take leave to more than three times,” according to an official from the federation.
This corresponds with the findings of the Ministry of Manpower gathered through its inspection of private establishments.
“The Ministry attaches great importance to the rights of women working in the private sector and strives to improve the relationship between the worker and the employer,” said Salim Al Badi, Director General of Labour Welfare at the Ministry of Manpower.