The UAE and the International Labour Organisation (ILO) have signed an agreement on technical cooperation in the areas of labour market information, labour inspection, occupational and health safety systems, in addition to the settlement of labour disputes' system.

The agreement was signed on the side-line of the 42nd session of the Arab Labour Conference, being held in Kuwait City, in the presence of UAE Labour Minister and Chairman of the Arab Labour Organisation (ALO), and Director-General of the International Labour Organisation, Guy Ryder.

Mubarak Saeed Al Dhaheri, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Labour, signed on behalf of the UAE, while the Deputy Regional Director of the ILO Regional Office for Arab States, Frank Hagemann, signed on behalf of the ILO.

Commenting on the agreement, Ghobash stressed that the deal comes within the framework of the Ministry of Labour's keenness to strengthen its capacity and utilise technical expertise available at the ILO so as to contribute towards updating some of the systems implemented by the ministry, specifically the labour market information system, which was launched years ago.

He added that the agreement could also help in the development of mechanisms to reduce individual disputes and to enhance the efficiency of the ministry to settle them, as well as to improve the inspection systems and capabilities of inspectors to further stabilise the labour market, especially in the light of the application of legislation system, policies and control tools.

Ghobash hoped that the agreement would establish stronger ties between the Government of the UAE and the ILO to further serve the common interests of both parties.

On his part, the Director-General of the ILO said the agreement reflects the Ministry of Labour's resolve to strengthen its capabilities in the framework of the management of labour market and enforcement of labour relations regulation law. He commended the UAE labour law and regulations and the ministry's keenness to developing these to protect the labourers' rights and ensure the interest of the employers as well.

Under the agreement, a two-year joint work programme will be set up to update the labour market information system by promoting the electronic linkage system to keep the decision makers in the ministry periodically posted about the labour market information and trends, a move that could contribute towards strengthening of policies and initiatives through the optimal use of available periodic data.

The joint work programme will also strengthen the inspection capabilities and develop a national policy on the occupational health and safety, as well as raise awareness about prevention of accidents and occupational injuries in accordance to the best professional practices.

The programme will enhance evaluation system and applied initiatives regarding the labour relations, and how best to deal with labour disputes received by the ministry.
Source: WAM