A CONTROVERSIAL move to extend the notice period for termination of employment from 30 days to four months is set to be debated by the Shura Council on Sunday.
The upper chamber of the National Assembly will vote on an amendment to the 2012 Private Sector Employment Law, which was approved by the Shura Council and drafted into a proper law by the government last year.
Shura members who voted for it then had claimed that the four-month notice period would ‘ensure work is not disrupted, especially in the case of vital sectors like education and medical services’.
However, Shura’s services committee has now recommended against the move.
“Contractual agreements are balanced out between two parties to ensure the rights of both sides are protected,” said committee chairwoman Dr Jihad Al Fadhel.
“However, in this legislation, the weakest link (workers) would be forced into service,” she added.
“It is also unfair to ask a candidate to wait for four months as he or she might lose out on better opportunities.
“On the other side, employers may want to terminate some contracts in 30 days if they find a better candidate. But with this proposal, they would be forced to keep the employee for four months, affecting the progress of work.”
Parliament had rejected the move last month.
Labour and Social Development Ministry had told MPs that it was difficult to decide which jobs should come under the four-month rule and which shouldn’t.
“It should be easy for employees to take up a job with a better working environment and better pay; the current 30-day notice period ensures that,” the ministry said.
Meanwhile, Shura will also debate and vote on urgent government-drafted amendments to the 1976 BDF and Public Security Wages and Pensions Law, which was approved by MPs on Tuesday.
Members will also vote on introducing two new national merits for police and security forces under government amendments to the 1976 Medals (Badges) Law. They were approved by MPs earlier this month. The new royal medal for police and the outstanding security service medal will, respectively, follow the national work medal in rank. Both new merits are divided into two categories with the first for officers or equally ranked civilians and the second for policemen, security personnel or individuals showing courage.
They will also debate and vote on the Arab Co-operation Customs Convention.
Members will be notified about a written reply from Labour and Social Development Minister Jameel Humaidan on a question by Hamad Al Nuaimi on runaway housemaids.
“There are 15 licensed companies providing insurance services for housemaids,” said the minister.
“Insurance is non-compulsory, but the option has helped tackle numerous problems associated with the sponsor or the housemaid.”
mohammed@gdn.com.bh
&uuid=(email))