ILO Director-General Commends GFOW’s Efforts: What It Means for Workforce Development and Business Growth in Oman
BUSINESS REPORTER
MUSCAT, DEC 16 — Nabhan Ahmed al Battashi, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the General Federation of Oman Workers (GFOW), met with Gilbert Houngbo, Director-General of the International Labour Organization (ILO), during Houngbo’s weeklong visit to Oman.
The meeting was held within the framework of the strategic partnership between the GFOW and the ILO, with the purpose of reviewing Oman’s trade union system and the GFOW’s experiences. It reaffirmed the GFOW’s pivotal role in defending workers’ rights, promoting social justice, and enhancing legislation that supports trade union rights, thus paving the way for Oman’s ratification of relevant ILO conventions.
Discussions focused on strengthening the existing cooperation between the GFOW and the ILO, exploring future areas of partnership that reflect the advanced dialogue and collaboration among Oman’s tripartite partners.
Key topics included legislative amendments, particularly to the Labour Law and Social Protection Law, and the mechanisms for implementing the National Decent Work Programme’s priorities in Oman. The meeting also highlighted the GFOW’s efforts to bolster social dialogue among the tripartite partners, aligned with international labour standards.
A detailed presentation covered the structure of trade unions in Oman, including the number and distribution of trade and sectoral unions. It reviewed notable recent GFOW activities, programmes, and awareness campaigns, women’s involvement in trade union work, legislative developments in the Labour and Social Protection Laws, and the latest national legislation safeguarding the rights of non-Omani workers. Additionally, it outlined the GFOW’s memberships in national committees and international labour organisations, as well as key international cooperation programmes currently underway.
Gilbert Houngbo praised the GFOW’s achievements and the advancement of trade union roles in Oman, considering them a regional model. He confirmed his commitment to strengthening cooperation between the GFOW and the ILO in accordance with the demands of the current phase.
Special Analysis by Omanet | Navigate Oman’s Market
This strategic partnership and ongoing dialogue between the GFOW and ILO signal a strengthening of Oman’s labor framework, offering businesses a more stable and transparent environment for workforce management. Smart investors and entrepreneurs should anticipate enhanced labor protections and social dialogue mechanisms, which may reduce labor disputes but require compliance with evolving regulations. This development presents opportunities to align with international labor standards, boosting Oman’s attractiveness for responsible foreign investment.
