KUWAIT CITY: A number of labor leaders and unionists in the country said the National Assembly's approval of the new Labor Law is a step in the right direction, reports Al-Rai daily. Hoping the step will improve Kuwait's image in the international community, the labor leaders and unionists asked the sponsors to ensure strict implementation of the law to lift the country from the human rights violation blacklist. Chairperson of Petroleum and Petrochemical Industries Labor Union Jassem Al-Nasser applauded the noble role played by the lawmakers, the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor, civil societies and labor unions to ensure the law sees the light of the day. He explained the public has been yearning for the new law, so government did well when it expedited procedures through the parliamentary committee.
He revealed the labor unions, under the umbrella of the Confederation of Kuwait Labor Unions, held a series of meetings to discuss the issue and their efforts paid off. "The petrol and petrochemical union has done its best by highlighting our observations, which were presented to the concerned authorities for review," he stated.
Meanwhile, Chairperson of the Labor Syndicate at the Civil Service Commission (CSC) Anwar Al-Dahum asserted the law got the concerned authorities' nod belatedly. He said the former law was weak as it failed to serve the interests of Kuwaitis and expatriates with limited income, but it is wonderful that the lawmakers and other notable groups worked relentlessly to ensure the breakthrough. He also expressed satisfaction over the good work of the legislative and executive authorities -- a clear indication that both authorities care for the less privileged.
He added the cancellation of the sponsorship (kafil) system is the best alternative to end 'modern-day slavery' of innocent expatriates. He also pointed out that Kuwait encountered human trafficking problems lately due to a few unscrupulous elements. He assured the new law will pave the way for the inauguration of several new unions for low-income laborers as "this is the only weapon that helpless employees can use to fight for their rights." Another prominent labor leader and Chairperson of the Ministry of Education's Labor Syndicate Mohammad Al-Harbi said the approval of the new law signals the movement of the labor issue to the next level. He commended clauses on retrenchment without justifications, raising annual and sick leaves to 30 and 15 days respectively, as well as 70 days maternity leave, prohibiting women from working after 8:00 pm until 7:00 am, and not allowing women to work in stressful or risky conditions. He also stressed the need to consider the suggestions of the labor unions in this regard.
In the meantime, Deputy Chairperson of Kuwait National Petroleum Company's Labor Union Mohammad Al-Hamlan asserted the amended law is still faulty and might go the way of the 1964 law. He said the law does not protect national manpower from arbitrary termination. He also cited ambiguities surrounding Article 40, which allows employers to terminate an errant employee without stating the types of violations. "It is a pity that observations of the labor unions were not considered as they are closer to the employees and they can easily identify the workers' problems," he lamented.
Chairperson of Arab Labor Union for Municipality and Tourism Mohammad Al-Aradah lauded the efforts of Social Affairs and Labor Minister Bader Al-Duwailah towards the promulgation of the law. He said the minister defied all odds to drag the issue to a logical conclusion as was evident in his presence during the National Assembly session slated for the issue. He added the minister's role will leave an indelible mark in the minds of well-meaning citizens and expatriates.
© Arab Times 2009
