Oil worker protests in Oman have continued, despite a crackdown and efforts by the Sultanate’s Shura Council to negotiate a settlement.
Hundreds of oil workers went on strike in May, followed by a walkout and protests by employees of private contractors in June.
Four companies in Nimr and in other places were affected by the previous strikes, including Qarn al Alam.
Oil workers were demand a basic wage of AED 3,804 a month, plus health coverage, risk compensation and pension rights. Reuters reports that more than 30 activists remain in detention after recent strikes.
Workers were summarily fired as the strikes were deemed illegal, then reinstated after signing letters undertaking not to repeat strikes.
In an effort to diffuse the workers’ grievances the Shura council, which advices on legislation, has recommended improvements to legal protections for oil workers in the private sector. The Council is also acting a mediator between employers and employees.
“We are trying to change the laws for oil workers to improve their working conditions. After all, the oil industry is contributing to our economy,” a Shura Council member, who asked not to be named, told Reuters.
Oil workers in Oman currently have inadequate working conditions compared to their public sector counterparts, and even lack basic health and safety protections now common in the GCC, such as restricted working in extreme heat.
Negotiations between labour union representatives, employers and the Shura Council are reported to be continuing.
Oman saw anti-corruption and employment protests in 2011, as part of the wider movements of civil unrest that swept much of the Arab world.
