Muscat: In a significant step towards enhancing workplace justice, the Ministry of Labour in Oman has established the Collective Labour Disputes Arbitration Committee through Ministerial Decision No. 320/2024.
Headed by Supreme Court Judge Dr. Nasser Rashid Al Mushaifri, the committee convened its inaugural session at the Directorate General of Labour Welfare on Wednesday, laying a strong foundation for the resolution of collective labor disputes with an emphasis on balance, fairness, and the protection of rights for all parties involved.
The establishment of this committee aligns with Article 121 of the Labour Law, which mandates the creation of a specialized entity within the Ministry to address collective labor disputes. The committee is designed to ensure fairness by representing all stakeholders, including a president from the courts of appeal, an arbitrator from the Ministry of Labour, an arbitrator selected by the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and an arbitrator designated for workers by the General Federation of Workers.
Each party involved, including the Ministry, employers, and workers' federations, is required to designate substitute arbitrators to guarantee the continuity of proceedings.
The committee operates under a strict timeline to expedite resolutions, with hearings scheduled within fifteen days following a dispute request and final decisions rendered within one month. The notification of hearings is promptly disseminated to the Minister of Labour, the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the General Federation of Workers, who must confirm their representatives' appointments within a one-month timeframe.
In its operations, the committee adheres to existing legal frameworks, yet it will also rely on Islamic Sharia, customary practices, and principles of fairness, taking into account the prevailing economic and social conditions.
Decisions are made by a majority vote; in the event of a tie, the president's vote will prevail. Committee rulings are final, with the option for appeals to be made only to the Supreme Court. Both parties are notified of the decision by registered letter within three days, and the dispute file is maintained by the competent authority for a period of three years, with access to the decision being granted to either party upon request. The committee possesses the authority to seek external experts' assistance in its operations, although these individuals will not be entitled to vote.
Munir bin Salem Al Rawas, the Secretary of the Committee and Director of the Labour Negotiations Department, underscored the committee's dedication to equitable resolution processes. He stated, “The Ministry of Labour is committed to exerting all efforts to resolve labor disputes and address challenges between the parties involved in production. In line with these efforts, and in accordance with Article 121 of the Labour Law, the Collective Labour Disputes Arbitration Committee has been established with clear roles and operating guidelines.
The committee serves as a pivotal element in the promotion of justice within the workplace, facilitating objective and efficacious resolution of disputes between employees and employers. Through the assessment of cases grounded in evidence and adherence to legal standards, the committee's resolutions are designed to protect the rights of all involved parties and achieve a balance of interests. These decisions are conclusive and may only be challenged at the Supreme Court.
The establishment of the committee represents a significant advancement in the enhancement of Oman's framework for labor dispute resolution, thereby reinforcing the commitment of the Ministry to the protection of the interests of both workers and employers.
The committee's approach, characterized by transparency and structure, is anticipated to foster a more harmonious work environment and bolster the stability of workplaces in the long term.
