UAE to usher in 'decent work' for all

Dubai: The UAE government is to work with the International Labour Organisation (ILO) through a tailored programme to make "decent work," accessible to everybody in the country. The concept is in accordance with international labour standards.

Maurizio Bussi, Deputy Regional Director, ILO, said on the sidelines of a Ministry of Labour forum on inspection and human rights held on Sunday, that the UAE will start implementing the "decent work country programme" which is aimed at improving and enhancing fundamental principles and rights at work, employment, social protection and social dialogue.

Voice to workers

"The UAE has showed the political will to reform their labour polices and environment by taking part in this programme and they are committed to the concept of decent work which is captured in four strategic objectives: fundamental principles and rights at work and international labour standards; employment; social protection and social dialogue," said Bussi, adding that a reform process in any country does not happen overnight.

The main areas the UAE will have to look into are issues of protecting workers and providing social benefits if they lose their jobs. The issue of giving a voice to workers is another element that will be addressed.

"For instance the UAE labour law needs to be adequate to support the reform process, the capacity for inspection also needs to be addressed to ensure implementation.

"A suitable means need to be found to include all types of negotiation, consultation and exchange of information between, or among, representatives of governments, employers and workers," said Bussi.

Through the programme the ILO will provide technical assistance to the UAE to achieve the country's objectives which are set in a national framework and in accordance with national priorities. The programme, which is evolving to meet changing conditions, has a flexible timeframe but achievements should be felt on the ground between three to five years, according to Bussi.

The UAE is set to be ready to sign the joining protocol by next April after the different partners in the UAE government decide on a national framework in which the programme will be implemented, according to a senior Ministry of Labour official.

"The concerned bodies in the UAE government are in discussion on what is considered national priority in our search for a 'decent' work environment such as emiratisation and the curb of unemployment," said the source.

Discussions are being held between the Ministry of Labour, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Social Affairs and other bodies such as the General Union for Chambers of Commerce and Industries.