Empowering Unions: How GFOW’s Training in Evidence-Based Policymaking Can Drive Business Growth in Oman
The General Federation of Oman Workers (GFOW), in collaboration with the International Labour Organization (ILO), successfully concluded a training program titled “Evidence-Based Policymaking for Decent Work.” The event took place from November 9 to 13, 2025, under the patronage of Dr. Khalifa Abdullah al Barwani, CEO of the National Centre for Statistics and Information.
The program aimed to enhance the capabilities of trade union representatives in utilizing data, research, and analysis to influence labor policies that foster a balanced, sustainable, and inclusive labor market. Participants were provided with practical tools to engage effectively in social dialogue, collaborate with tripartite partners, and contribute to policymaking that aligns with Oman’s national development goals.
Throughout the five-day training, experts from the ILO, GFOW, and various stakeholders conducted sessions on several key topics. These included the ILO’s Decent Work Agenda, principles of evidence-based policymaking, labor market analysis in Oman, utilization of worker-centric data, and the transformation of research findings into actionable policy recommendations. Discussions also centered on strategies for unions to enhance their negotiation capabilities and influence policies that meet the genuine needs of workers and businesses.
Jasim al Maliki, Director General of GFOW, stated, “This program embodies our vision to advance trade union work through analysis grounded in evidence. Collecting accurate information, understanding key indicators, and adopting scientific approaches are essential for unions to establish impactful negotiating positions. Modern policymaking must be based on reliable data, not estimation, to ensure effective and sustainable decisions.”
Mustafa Said, Workers’ Activities Advisor at the ILO Regional Office for Arab States, emphasized that evidence-based policies foster trust among tripartite partners, enhance transparency, and improve the quality of decisions impacting workers, employers, and the broader labor market.
In a related initiative, GFOW and the ILO also held a workshop focused on the challenges of representing women, youth, and non-Omani workers within private sector institutions.
Special Analysis by Omanet | Navigate Oman’s Market
The recent training programme by the General Federation of Oman Workers (GFOW) and the ILO signals a pivotal shift toward evidence-based policymaking in Oman’s labour market. For businesses, this represents an opportunity to engage with data-driven strategies that reflect both worker needs and market dynamics, fostering a more sustainable environment. Smart investors should consider leveraging these insights to better navigate labour policies and enhance collaboration with trade unions, ultimately positioning themselves ahead in a rapidly evolving market landscape.
