MUSCAT : Speaking at the forum, His Excellency Dr. Mahad bin Said bin Ali Baowain, Minister of Labour, said joint dialogue is a cornerstone of Oman’s national approach, strengthening constructive partnership among the three parties of production and reinforcing economic and social stability while supporting sustainable development. He stressed that dialogue in Oman is not merely a communication tool, but a deeply rooted national value that helps resolve disputes, balance rights and duties, and build a cohesive and productive work environment that promotes equal opportunities.

His Excellency Dr. Baowain highlighted the significant progress in social dialogue following the issuance of the Labour Law, noting that Article 141 mandates the formation of a Social Dialogue Committee chaired by the Ministry of Labour, with representation from all production parties. This framework, he said, has restructured the Joint Dialogue Committee and enhanced participation in specialized bodies such as the Collective Labour Disputes Settlement and Arbitration Committees, as well as the Occupational Safety and Health Committee.

He added that dialogue mechanisms have been expanded to all governorates through subcommittees, allowing labour issues to be addressed at the local level and strengthening communication within workplaces. The Minister also pointed to the Ministry’s ongoing partnership with the International Labour Organization (ILO) through the National Decent Work Program, under a memorandum of understanding signed in 2010 and renewed in 2022, which provides technical support, consultations and initiatives to develop a sustainable labour market.

The Minister further noted that national committees with broad representation, including the Omani Human Rights Commission and the National Committee to Combat Human Trafficking, have helped establish an integrated national approach to promote human rights at work, strengthen protection frameworks, and safeguard vulnerable groups. He reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to continuing collaboration with social partners to foster fair work conditions and enhance Oman’s economic competitiveness.

For his part, His Excellency Gilbert Houngbo, Director-General of the ILO, said the forum reflects Oman’s strong will to build a fair, cohesive and developed labour market, based on cooperation and trust. He praised the joint efforts of the General Federation of Workers of the Sultanate of Oman and the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry, particularly progress in collective agreements at the enterprise level and initial steps towards sectoral negotiations.

Houngbo reaffirmed the ILO’s commitment to supporting Oman, including reviewing the Labour Law in line with international labour standards, strengthening protection for workers’ representatives, enhancing safeguards against arbitrary dismissal, and delivering capacity-building programmes for employers’ and workers’ organisations.

The forum aims to showcase Oman’s experience as an advanced national model for social dialogue, while reviewing achievements in legislative modernisation, trade union support, skills development, training expansion and collective bargaining, in line with Oman Vision 2040 and its goal of a competitive, knowledge-based economy.

Discussions included working papers on dispute resolution through joint dialogue, the role of business owners in partnership building, promoting a culture of social dialogue, social protection, empowerment of persons with disabilities, and Oman’s experience in the platform economy.

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