MUSCAT, MAY 4
The Sultanate of Oman marked International Workers’ Day on Sunday, May 4, 2025, with a national celebration underscoring the country’s strategic labour reforms and digital transformation. Held under the auspices of Dr Mahad bin Said Ba’owain, Minister of Labour, the event was organised by the General Federation of Oman Workers (GFOW) and attended by senior officials, private sector leaders, and trade union representatives.
In a keynote address, GFOW Chairman Nabhan al Battashi outlined a forward-looking vision for Oman’s labour movement, announcing a series of new initiatives aimed at modernising union operations, expanding legal protections, and promoting equitable employment.
“Uplifting the minimum wage is not just a demand—it is an economic and social imperative,” said Al Battashi, calling for evidence-based collaboration with national institutions to align wages with the cost of living.
Among the major announcements was the launch of the Digital Trade Union Data Management System, a nationwide platform designed to unify labour data, streamline internal processes, and enhance union transparency.
GFOW also unveiled I’tizaz, a new member benefits programme developed in partnership with Omani fintech company Thawani. The initiative will offer exclusive discounts for registered union members through participating private-sector partners, supporting worker wellbeing beyond the workplace.
This year’s ceremony also saw the introduction of the Trade Union Excellence Award, a GFOW initiative that recognises outstanding contributions by unions, public bodies, and private entities in promoting workers’ rights and improving labour environments. Awards were presented in six categories, including union leadership, sectoral coordination, and institutional support.
A YEAR OF UNION GROWTH
GFOW’s 2024 Annual Report highlighted significant gains in union formation and legal advocacy. The number of registered unions rose to 335, with Muscat leading at 161 unions, followed by North Al Batinah and Al Wusta. Sectoral federations expanded to eight, covering key fields such as oil and gas, transport, and education.
The federation mediated 90 collective labour agreements across multiple sectors in 2024, achieving a resolution rate of nearly 89 per cent. It also handled 2,473 dismissal cases related to economic layoffs, bankruptcy, and delayed wages, with legal interventions resulting in a 100 per cent success rate in court rulings.
Women’s leadership within unions continued to strengthen, with 225 women participating in union committees and 32 involved in collective bargaining negotiations. GFOW signed a partnership with Jibreen Academy to bolster leadership and legal training for female unionists.
Internationally, GFOW extended its presence at 13 global conferences and signed cooperation agreements with the Norwegian Confederation of Trade Unions and the International Transport Workers’ Federation, cementing cross-border alliances and sharing best practices in labour representation.
The federation also played a key role in shaping labour legislation, contributing to the Wage Protection Regulation (Decision 729/2024), Dispute Conciliation Procedures (451/2024), updated grievance and disciplinary codes, and restrictions on certain professions to enhance Omani employment opportunities.
CHALLENGES AND VISION
Despite notable progress, Al Battashi acknowledged persistent challenges, including gaps in workplace safety compliance and increasing economic redundancies. He reaffirmed GFOW’s focus on expanding legal protections, reinforcing social dialogue, and promoting fair labour practices aligned with Oman Vision 2040.
“Social justice is the foundation of a stable economy,” he said. “Trade unions must continue to serve not just as defenders of rights, but as partners in national development.”
Sunday’s celebration was not only a tribute to workers, but a signal of intent: that as Oman charts its course towards a diversified, inclusive future, labour remains at the heart of the national agenda.
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