Ministry holds roundtable for construction sector

The Ministry of Labour, in collaboration with Building and Wood Workers International (BWI), convened a second roundtable discussion for the construction, building materials and wood sectors. This meeting aimed to build upon the discussions from the inaugural roundtable held in December of the previous year. The roundtable is part of Qatar's ongoing commitment to enhancing its labour relations framework and promoting constructive social dialogue across key economic sectors.

Representatives from government entities, employers and workers convened to explore challenges facing these sectors, share expertise and best practices, and identify practical approaches to strengthen labour relations and cooperation between employers and workers. The discussions centred around the implementation of a new framework for joint committees, with a focus on enhancing worker participation and establishing effective communication channels between workers and employers.

Other critical topics included wage protection, occupational safety and health, social dialogue, and measures to foster cooperation at the sector level. Delegates from Building and Wood Workers International joined forces with ministry officials, government representatives, employers and companies operating in the construction and related sectors.

Speaking at the event, Hamed Faraj Dalmouk, the assistant undersecretary for migrant labour affairs, underscored Qatar's dedication to social dialogue as a cornerstone of labour market development. He emphasized that ongoing engagement between employers and workers serves as an effective platform for addressing challenges, sharing knowledge and devising practical solutions.

Dalmouk highlighted the significance of joint worker committees as a crucial mechanism for bolstering worker participation and establishing direct lines of communication between workers and employers.

Regarding wage protection, Dalmouk praised the Wage Protection System (WPS) as a vital component of Qatar's framework for safeguarding workers' rights. He explained that the system ensures timely wage payments and promotes transparency in the contractual relationship between workers and employers. The official also stressed the need for comprehensive solutions to improve working conditions, which extends beyond regulatory and legislative measures to encompass safe and healthy workplaces and heightened awareness of occupational safety and health procedures.

Dalmouk reiterated the Ministry of Labour's commitment to continuous dialogue with its partners, incorporating their insights and suggestions into policy development. He also stressed the importance of supporting employers to enhance the efficiency, competitiveness and productivity of various economic sectors. The working sessions addressed a broad range of issues pertinent to the construction and related sectors, culminating in a reaffirmation of the importance of sustained dialogue, coordination and the exchange of expertise and best practices among employers and workers.