Latest news with #GeneralFederationofOmanWorkers
Muscat Daily
a day ago
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Oman improves workers' rights ranking in 2025 ITUC index
Muscat – Oman has improved its standing in the 2025 ITUC Global Rights Index, moving from a rating of 4 to 3 – an improvement described as significant by labour observers. Released by International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) during the International Labour Conference in Geneva being held from June 2 to 13, the index assesses workers' rights across 151 countries. The rise in Oman's rating resulted from a series of recent labour reforms, particularly establishment of a tripartite dialogue mechanism involving representatives from the government, employers and workers. The mechanism is led by General Federation of Oman Workers (GFOW) and aims to enhance social dialogue and ensure more inclusive policymaking. 'These reforms have paved the way for constructive engagement on employment issues and more efficient mechanisms for resolving labour disputes,' the ITUC report stated. The tripartite committee now plays a key role in drafting, reviewing and amending labour legislation. The reforms have also improved workers' access to justice and promoted fairer dispute resolution processes. The Global Rights Index measures countries against 97 indicators based on International Labour Organization (ILO) standards, covering the right to strike, freedom of association, collective bargaining, protection from violence and freedom of expression for trade unionists. Ratings range from 1 (best) to 5 (worst). Oman's progress contrasts with broader regional trends. The Middle East and North Africa remains the lowest-ranked region globally, with an average score of 4.68 in 2025, slightly better than its lowest-ever score of 4.74 in 2024. The report stated, 'This indicates that most workers are subject to systematic violations or have no guarantee of basic labour rights.' It noted that workers in Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates continue to face bans or restrictions on freedom of association and the right to organise. These limitations particularly affect migrant workers, who make up a large portion of the workforce in those countries. 'Oman offered a glimmer of progress, improving its rating from 4 to 3 in 2025, due to a series of progressive labour reforms aimed at strengthening social dialogue and dispute resolution,' the report added. Oman is one of only three countries that improved their ratings this year, alongside Australia and Moldova. In contrast, seven countries – Argentina, Costa Rica, Georgia, Italy, Mauritania, Niger and Panama – saw their ratings worsen. The ten worst countries for workers in 2025 were listed as Bangladesh, Belarus, Ecuador, Egypt, Eswatini, Myanmar, Nigeria, the Philippines, Tunisia and Türkiye. ITUC said this year's report revealed a worsening crisis for workers and unions globally, with average ratings deteriorating in three out of five world regions. Europe and the Americas recorded their worst scores since the index was launched in 2014. Only seven countries received the top-tier rating in 2025.
Observer
a day ago
- Business
- Observer
Oman among leading Arab countries in ITUC Global Rights Index
BUSINESS REPORTER MUSCAT, JUNE 2 Oman has emerged as one of the leading Arab countries in the ITUC Global Rights Index, published by the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC). The country'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.
