After a lengthy delay, the long anticipated Federal Law organizing trade unions has been approved by the federal cabinet. The freedom of association and the right to organise and collective bargaining is now recognised and protected. It will equally apply to nationals and expats who have been residents for more than 3 years.
companies will become more accountable. International Labour Organisation rules will be respected despite the U.A.E not having ratified ILO conventions.
A 3 level scheme is being proposed. At the top, the UAE federation of trade unions will consist of registered trade unions associations. Below, Trade Union Associations will be the UAE representative of trade committees in both the private and government sectors. And finally, a trade Union Committee will consist of workers of a company employing more than 20 Nationals.
Many more details are still being developed such as membership and/or associate membership rules and regulations, but it is worth noting the huge impact that this legislation will have especially on the expat community working in the UAE.
As imperfect as it might be, I commend the government of the UAE on having such vision and courage to advance the cause of the average worker and to propulse the UAE to the forefront of the labour rights in the Middle East.
