Workers in companies with 30 or more employees in Qatar can now elect their representatives in a move which will enhance worker voice at the enterprise level.

Mr. Yousuf Mohamed Al Othman Fakhroo, the Minister of Administrative Development Labour and Social Affairs (ADLSA) signed a decree on 22 April 2019 regulating the conditions and procedures for the election of worker representatives in Joint Committees.   The decree operationalizes Chapter 13 of the Labour Law on Joint Committees, Collective Negotiation and Joint Agreements.

“Which is undertaken by the State of Qatar to create a safe and stimulating investment environment in accordance with the Qatar Development Strategy and Vision 2030."Said Mohammed Al Obaidly, Undersecretary of Labour ADLSA.

Houtan Homayounpour, Head of the ILO Project Office for the State of Qatar, highlighted the important role Joint Committees play in facilitating workplace cooperation.

“Joint Committees bring representatives of management and employees into regular communication over workplace issues. By enabling open communication, they improve labour relations, prevent and address conflicts and promote organizational effectiveness and worker well-being. We strongly believe this will benefit both workers and employers alike,” he said.

Under Qatari Labour Law No. 14 of 2004 any establishment with 30 or more workers may form a Joint Committee comprising an equal number of worker and employer representatives with four to eight members depending on the size of the enterprise. Joint Committees shall have a term of two years and meet once a month.