No poll role for unions

The Labour and Social Development Ministry has called on trade unions in the Kingdom to comply with the laws and regulations which ban political work, something which trade unions oppose. The ministry has instructed trade unions to refrain from endorsing candidates or involving in any political activities related to the elections. “The ministry stresses article (22), paragraph B of decree-law 15/2002, regarding elections to the Shura and Representatives Councils, which bans trade unions from conducting or participating in any electoral campaign for any candidate.

“Moreover, article 20, paragraph D of the Trade Unions Law issued in Decree-law 33/2002 and its amendments forbid trade unions from practising political work.” The Labour and Social Development Ministry affirmed the need for trade unions to cooperate to ensure the success of elections in a transparent and just way by guaranteeing equal opportunities for the candidates. The ministries also warned of legal measures against those who violate the laws of the land.

However, trade union representatives said that such laws severely restricted the union’s influence towards protecting workers. “I think it is natural for trade unions and other similar organizations to support candidates who share the same views as the organisation. The parliamentarians take important decisions on a weekly basis and it affects the workers greatly, so it is important for us to be able to share our views and be able to support the candidates who we think will be able to represent us.