Latest news with #GFOW
Times of Oman
2 days ago
- Business
- Times of Oman
Oman among top Arab countries in ITUC Global Rights Index
Muscat: The Sultanate of Oman has emerged as one of the leading Arab countries in the ITUC Global Rights Index, published by the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC). Oman's rating improved from Level 4 to Level 3 — a notable step forward in terms of trade union rights and freedoms. This progress reflects the sustained efforts of the General Federation of Oman Workers (GFOW) at both national and international levels. According to the Index, the improved rating is the result of a series of reforms to labour legislation and regulatory frameworks. These reforms include enhanced access to justice for workers and the promotion of more effective tripartite dialogue between the government, employers, and workers' representatives. This has been achieved through the establishment of a joint dialogue committee comprising representatives of all three parties, tasked with drafting, reviewing, and amending labour laws and policies. The reforms introduced in recent years have contributed to fostering constructive dialogue on labour and employment issues and to strengthening mechanisms for the resolution of labour disputes. The ITUC Global Rights Index is an annual global assessment of trade union rights and human rights in the world of work. It is published by the ITUC as part of the International Labour Conference (ILC), held annually in Geneva, Switzerland. The Index ranks countries on a scale from 1 (best) to 5+ (worst), based on 97 indicators derived from International Labour Organization (ILO) standards. These include restrictions on collective bargaining, the right to strike, freedom of association, trade union membership, violence against trade unionists, and limitations on freedom of expression.
Observer
17-05-2025
- Business
- Observer
Oman's labour body secures 87 job reinstatements in April
MUSCAT: The General Federation of Oman Workers (GFOW) reported a rise in labour-related disputes and collective job termination notices in April 2025, reinforcing its active role in safeguarding employment stability and promoting fair labour practices across the Sultanate. According to the Federation's latest bulletin, four private sector companies submitted notifications involving the collective termination of 974 employees due to economic conditions. The GFOW's relevant committee approved the termination of 16 non-Omani workers, while also securing the reinstatement of 87 Omani employees through formal mediation processes. During the same period, the GFOW supported workers in 14 cases of individual and collective complaints, which were addressed through dialogue and negotiation sessions. Of these, eight cases were resolved, while six remain ongoing. Legal awareness among the workforce also increased, as the Federation responded to 76 legal inquiries and consultations covering issues such as wages, leave entitlements, contract terms, and working hours. In terms of union organisation, two new trade unions were formed in April. Additionally, three existing trade unions completed alignment procedures to meet national legal requirements. Committees under the GFOW held structured meetings to evaluate employer requests for workforce reduction and to assess complaints related to deteriorating working conditions. The Federation stressed that all measures taken were based on legal due diligence and guided by the principle of prioritising Omani job retention. The GFOW stated that key employment issues addressed during the month included wage disputes, leave entitlements, contract terminations, project completion concerns, and demands for improved working conditions. These issues remain central to the Federation's mandate under the goals of Oman Vision 2040, which promotes labour market resilience, fair governance, and economic participation. In a statement, the Federation reaffirmed its commitment to facilitating social dialogue and protecting the rights of workers through institutional mechanisms and union support. It also urged employers to enhance transparency and engage proactively in resolving disputes.
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.
