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Muscat Daily
17-05-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
974 termination notifications received by Oman's trade union
Muscat – The General Federation of Oman Workers (GFOW) received 974 notifications of termination of employment contracts in four companies in April 2025, according to a senior official. 'In April, the federation also handled 14 cases of worker support related to individual and collective complaints, including conducting negotiations,' the official said. Additionally, GFOW received 76 legal inquiries and consultation requests, while three trade unions successfully aligned with legal requirements during the same period. One newly formed trade union was also announced in April. Its committee for resolution of collective disputes addressed several demands related to improved working conditions, while one tasked with reviewing requests from private sector establishments approved the termination of contracts of 16 non-Omani workers due to economic circumstances. In a positive development, 87 Omani workers were reinstated during the month. Key issues discussed and reviewed by GFOW included wages, leave entitlement, working hours, project transfers and completions, economic conditions, contract terminations, demands for better working conditions, and the formation of trade unions. As part of efforts to modernise operations, the federation also launched its new Digital Trade Union Data Management System which aims to unify labour data nationwide, streamline internal processes, and improve transparency and communication across the union network.
Muscat Daily
04-05-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Majority of worker complaints in Oman linked to unjust dismissals
Muscat – General Federation of Oman Workers (GFOW) marked International Workers' Day on Sunday with the release of its 2024 annual report, highlighting labour rights issues and calling for expanded safeguards for private sector employees. The report showed that the majority of complaints lodged with the federation involved unilateral termination of contracts without valid justification. Other common grievances included dismissal following project completion or company bankruptcy, delayed or unpaid wages and bonuses, violation of occupational safety standards, and transfer of employees to locations not specified in contracts. Despite challenges, GFOW said it achieved 100% success rate in legal cases, handling 453 consultations and 90 legal interventions. Favourable rulings led to reinstatements, continuation of existing contracts and broader employment prospects for nationals through training and skill-building initiatives. Workers affected by company shutdowns or liquidation were referred to the job security fund for temporary financial assistance. The federation also raised several concerns, including the need to expand social protection for low-income workers, extend the six-month job security allowance period, implement a minimum pension for private sector retirees, and conduct regular reviews of the minimum wage. On the occasion of International Workers' Day, GFOW chairman Nabhan bin Ahmed al Batashi said, 'Today, we honour the tireless contributions of Omani workers to national development. We remain committed to expanding sustainable employment for youth, improving wages and strengthening social protection.' He added that efforts are underway to enhance legal, administrative and educational support for trade unions, empowering these to better advocate for workers' rights. As part of efforts to modernise operations, GFOW also launched its new Digital Trade Union Data Management System. The platform aims to unify labour data nationwide, streamline internal processes, and improve transparency and communication across the union network.
Observer
04-05-2025
- Business
- Observer
Workers' Day in Oman: A renewed commitment to labour reform
MUSCAT, MAY 4 The Sultanate of Oman marked International Workers' Day on Sunday, May 4, 2025, with a national celebration underscoring the country's strategic labour reforms and digital transformation. Held under the auspices of Dr Mahad bin Said Ba'owain, Minister of Labour, the event was organised by the General Federation of Oman Workers (GFOW) and attended by senior officials, private sector leaders, and trade union representatives. In a keynote address, GFOW Chairman Nabhan al Battashi outlined a forward-looking vision for Oman's labour movement, announcing a series of new initiatives aimed at modernising union operations, expanding legal protections, and promoting equitable employment. 'Uplifting the minimum wage is not just a demand—it is an economic and social imperative,' said Al Battashi, calling for evidence-based collaboration with national institutions to align wages with the cost of living. Among the major announcements was the launch of the Digital Trade Union Data Management System, a nationwide platform designed to unify labour data, streamline internal processes, and enhance union transparency. GFOW also unveiled I'tizaz, a new member benefits programme developed in partnership with Omani fintech company Thawani. The initiative will offer exclusive discounts for registered union members through participating private-sector partners, supporting worker wellbeing beyond the workplace. This year's ceremony also saw the introduction of the Trade Union Excellence Award, a GFOW initiative that recognises outstanding contributions by unions, public bodies, and private entities in promoting workers' rights and improving labour environments. Awards were presented in six categories, including union leadership, sectoral coordination, and institutional support. A YEAR OF UNION GROWTH GFOW's 2024 Annual Report highlighted significant gains in union formation and legal advocacy. The number of registered unions rose to 335, with Muscat leading at 161 unions, followed by North Al Batinah and Al Wusta. Sectoral federations expanded to eight, covering key fields such as oil and gas, transport, and education. The federation mediated 90 collective labour agreements across multiple sectors in 2024, achieving a resolution rate of nearly 89 per cent. It also handled 2,473 dismissal cases related to economic layoffs, bankruptcy, and delayed wages, with legal interventions resulting in a 100 per cent success rate in court rulings. Women's leadership within unions continued to strengthen, with 225 women participating in union committees and 32 involved in collective bargaining negotiations. GFOW signed a partnership with Jibreen Academy to bolster leadership and legal training for female unionists. Internationally, GFOW extended its presence at 13 global conferences and signed cooperation agreements with the Norwegian Confederation of Trade Unions and the International Transport Workers' Federation, cementing cross-border alliances and sharing best practices in labour representation. The federation also played a key role in shaping labour legislation, contributing to the Wage Protection Regulation (Decision 729/2024), Dispute Conciliation Procedures (451/2024), updated grievance and disciplinary codes, and restrictions on certain professions to enhance Omani employment opportunities. CHALLENGES AND VISION Despite notable progress, Al Battashi acknowledged persistent challenges, including gaps in workplace safety compliance and increasing economic redundancies. He reaffirmed GFOW's focus on expanding legal protections, reinforcing social dialogue, and promoting fair labour practices aligned with Oman Vision 2040. 'Social justice is the foundation of a stable economy,' he said. 'Trade unions must continue to serve not just as defenders of rights, but as partners in national development.' Sunday's celebration was not only a tribute to workers, but a signal of intent: that as Oman charts its course towards a diversified, inclusive future, labour remains at the heart of the national agenda.
Observer
04-05-2025
- Business
- Observer
Oman marks International Workers' Day
Muscat: The General Federation of Oman Workers (GFOW) commemorated International Workers' Day on Sunday, 4 May 2025, held under the patronage of Dr Mahad bin Said Ba'owain, Minister of Labour. The event brought together senior officials, representatives from the private sector, civil society organisations, and trade union leaders from across the Sultanate, alongside several journalists. The ceremony, aligned with global celebrations of International Workers' Day, highlighted the vital role of trade unions in improving workplace conditions and safeguarding the rights of employees, particularly within Oman's private sector. It also served as a platform to honour winners of the 2025 Trade Union Excellence Award and unveil strategic initiatives to advance labour representation and digital transformation. A key highlight of the event was the presentation of the Trade Union Excellence Award, an intellectual property of GFOW. The award recognises outstanding contributions from labour unions, government entities, private companies, and civil society institutions that support and strengthen trade unionism in Oman. The goal is to incentivise continued engagement across sectors to promote balance and social stability in the labour market. The award includes six categories: trade unions, general sectoral unions, union representatives, supportive government entities or their delegates, civil society organisations, and private sector institutions or their representatives. As part of its commitment to modernising union operations, GFOW officially launched its new Digital Trade Union Data Management System. The platform aims to streamline procedures, enhance internal communication, unify labour data nationwide, and foster transparency in union governance. Additionally, the federation unveiled a new membership benefit platform, 'I'tizaz', in partnership with Omani fintech firm Thawani, which provides exclusive offers and discounts for registered union members through affiliated private-sector partners. GFOW's 2024 Annual Report revealed notable progress in the expansion and institutional development of trade unions across Oman. The total number of registered unions reached 335 by the end of 2024, with the highest concentration in Muscat Governorate (161 unions), followed by North Al Batinah (72) and Al Wusta (48). The number of general sectoral unions increased to eight, covering critical sectors such as industry, energy, education, transport, and tourism. Throughout 2024, GFOW organised 33 training and awareness programmes, benefiting 1,559 participants. These focused on new labour legislation, occupational safety, wage protection systems, and employment rights for persons with disabilities. The report also highlighted a sharp rise in contract termination complaints. GFOW dealt with 2,473 cases of employee dismissals from 25 establishments. These cases stemmed from corporate bankruptcies, group layoffs, and delayed wage payments. The federation also handled 453 legal consultations and provided 79 direct legal interventions, all of which resulted in favourable court rulings for workers — a 100% success rate for resolved cases. In terms of collective bargaining, the federation facilitated 90 collective labour agreements in 2024 across sectors such as oil and gas, education, healthcare, construction, and services. A resolution rate of 88.9% was achieved through negotiation, with the remaining disputes referred to the courts. Women's representation in union leadership continued to grow. A total of 225 women were active in female union committees, with 32 participating in collective bargaining rounds. GFOW signed a cooperation agreement with Jibreen Academy to enhance the skills and leadership capabilities of female union members. The federation also strengthened its international presence by participating in 13 global conferences and nine specialised training programmes. These included the International Labour Conference in Geneva and the Arab Labour Conference in Baghdad. GFOW signed cooperation agreements with the Norwegian Confederation of Trade Unions and the International Transport Workers' Federation to promote best practices in labour representation and cross-border solidarity. GFOW also played an active role in monitoring and advocating for key legislative reforms. These included the Wage Protection Regulation (Decision 729/2024), Labour Dispute Conciliation Procedures (Decision 451/2024), new grievance and disciplinary codes (Decisions 618 and 619/2024), and an updated list of professions restricted to non-Omani workers. Despite the progress, challenges remain. Chief among them are inconsistent compliance with occupational safety regulations and a rising trend of economic-based layoffs. GFOW's future strategy includes expanding the scope of legal protection for workers, strengthening the role of collective bargaining, and enhancing the legislative environment to promote a fair, balanced, and productive labour market. This year's celebration of International Workers' Day served not only as a reflection of the federation's achievements but also as a reaffirmation of Oman's commitment to empowering its workforce. As the country advances towards the objectives of Oman Vision 2040, trade unions are set to remain a vital partner in shaping a sustainable, inclusive, and rights-based national economy.
