RIYADH, 9 October — Saudi Arabia yesterday signed an agreement with the International Labor Organization ratifying conventions 182 and 174 of the ILO relating to general security for workers and the convention banning child labor.
They also agreed to set up a workers’ committee to look after the recreational needs of the employees and to promote a better understanding between the employers and their workforce in the interest of harmonious relations at the workplace.
The agreement was signed by Minister of Labor Dr. Ali Al-Namla and Director General of ILO Juan Somavia in Riyadh. Somavia, who arrived here on Saturday for a two-day visit, also had audience with Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Fahd, Crown Prince Abdullah.
He also held talks at the Council of Saudi Chambers of Commerce and Industry, where he discussed measures for the protection of workers’ rights, including recreational facilities for the employees. He said the Council of Saudi Chambers is represented at ILO’s governing body. As a result of the agreement to set up the workers’ committee, it will have a new role in its relationship with the ILO.
Later, Somavia left for Bahrain to participate in the GCC labor ministers’ conference, which starts in Manama today.
At a joint press conference with the ILO chief, Dr. Al-Namla announced that the Kingdom had contributed SR1.875 million to the ILO toward the welfare of Palestinian workers facing hardships due to Israel’s repressive measures.
Replying to a question, the ILO chief said Saudi Arabia was making a smooth transition from an oil-based economy to knowledge-based economy. This was made possible by an ambitious human resources development program.
Referring to the technical cooperation agreement with the Kingdom, Somavia said the starting point will be to identify the areas of cooperation between the two sides. He said a technical mission would be visiting the Kingdom soon to work out the modalities of the agreement.
Asked about his assessment of expatriate workers in the Kingdom, he said “globally speaking, the treatment of expatriates here in terms of the conditions as compared to other regions is significantly better.”
On the question about membership of non-Saudis in the proposed labor unions, Dr. Al-Namla said without being specific that the expatriates, or resident workers, have well-defined rights and responsibilities within the framework of their temporary residence.
