Ways to integrate Saudis into private sector discussed

RIYADH: Among the obstacles that deter Saudis from joining the private sector are the long working hours and the six-day workweek.
These observations were the focus of a first Social Dialogue meeting that the Ministry of Labor organized on Tuesday along with three key players on the labor market: King Abdul Aziz National Dialogue (KAND), the National Committee on Labor Affairs and Saudi businessmen represented by the Chamber of Commerce and Industries.
The participants said that before implementing new labor laws, they should discuss the pros and cons thoroughly so these would meet the requirements of the employers. The forum hopes to arrive at a consensus on regulating working hours in the private sector in consultation with the three parties concerned.
Labor Minister Adel Fakeih said that the royal decree calls for a review of the obstacles facing Saudization of the work force in the private sector by regularizing the working hours. These measures reflect the concern and keenness of the government on this issue. He said the forum comes in the wake of the implementation of King Abdullah’s directives with the strategic participation of KAND, seeking to find an agreement on working hours in the Kingdom, especially in the wholesale sector and public markets. This would guarantee a joint national objective economically and socially, he said.
Fakeih pointed out that his ministry would not take a unilateral step on these issues without discussion. He stressed that the Labor Ministry seeks to reach a constructive, correct and sustainable decision that would safeguard the interest of all parties.
Secretary-General of the National Dialogue, Ahmad Al-Humaidan, observed that the first Social Dialogue is part of the minister's strategy to reach high quality in regulation of the market. He said the key objectives of the dialogue were to create more job opportunities and improve the working environment. This would boost the stability of the national work force in the private sector.
He said that the dialogue on working hours would help reconcile views on workers’ needs and their productivity. It would consider the family and social obligations of the workers.
“We hope that this balanced approach will add to the job attraction in the private sector for our national work force and will strength their loyalty and productivity and reduce the amount of labor complaints."
Al-Zamil Group Chairman Abdurahmam Al-Zamil spoke on behalf of the Saudi businessmen and applauded the Labor Ministry’s step in conducting such dialogue. He said this is excellent cooperation in the public interest and that the increasing number of national workers reflected the success of the Nitaqat program.