Trade union chief calls for dialogue to resolve disputes

han bin Ahmed Al Battashi, Chairman of the General Federation of Oman Trade Union (GFOTU), advocated that all segments of society should encourage the tripartite social dialogue among stakeholders, especially where employees’ interests are

involved.

The GFOTU, he added, was able to resolve many labour-related problems and brought them many benefits through social dialogue. He hoped that necessary measures would be taken to find suitable solutions to all labour issues.

He affirmed that the GFOTU always encourages dialogue among stakeholders on opposite sides in any dispute.

Al Battashi pointed out that compared to Singapore’s experience, the tripartite stakeholders in the Sultanate need to believe in the importance of dialogue and grant certain powers to the GFOTU. He noted that the syndicate work in the Sultanate has been strong and progressed well, thanks to the cooperation extended by all stakeholders.

As for the Omani Labour Law, the GFOTU Chairman noted that stakeholders have had a tripartite comprehensive social dialogue about this law and other parties should commit to the agreement reached during the dialogue.

“The trade union experience in the Sultanate is still nascent. The GFOTU had been focussing on training the unions’ members. The Sultanate now has more than 236 trade unions with the number expected to reach 300 syndicates in 2018, the trend reflecting the growth in the key sectors and major organizations,” he added.

In response to a question about establishing sectoral unions, Al Battashi pointed out that the law allows the setting up of sectoral unions which may act as the main arms for the GFOTU. This will reduce the pressure on GFOTU.

As of now, there are a number of sectoral unions in various sectors, such as oil and gas, tourism, industry, education and construction. There are plans to set up unions for auto, retail and banks in the upcoming period.

As for the challenges facing the GFOTU, Al Battashi named lack of awareness, reluctance of the other party to the syndicate’s work, legislation, working environment in the private sector and financial subsidy.

“There is an investment plan to make the GFOTO self-sufficient in the future by allowing subscriptions. Currently, the government provides financial subsidy,” he concluded.