Humaidan: The establishment of the Labor Dispute Settlement Authority reduces the number of cases before the courts and speeds up their decision

25-01-2020

His Excellency the Minister of Labour and Social Development, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Labour Market Regulatory Authority, Mr Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, affirmed that the establishment of the Individual Labour Dispute Resolution Authority at the Ministry of Labour and Social Development—aimed at amicably settling individual disputes between workers and employers, with the consent of both parties and before resorting to the judiciary, in order to reduce the number of cases brought before the courts—reflects the Ministry’s keenness to provide rapid mechanisms for resolving individual labour disputes in a manner that ensures the protection of the rights of both parties to production, the worker and the employer, in the Kingdom of Bahrain. The establishment of the Authority is based on Article 119 of the Private Sector Labour Law No. 36 of 2012, as amended. The Authority will comprise two units: a registration unit and an amicable settlement unit. In the event of a successful amicable settlement, the Authority shall prepare a report signed by both parties to the dispute or their representatives and the competent employee. This report shall have the force of an enforceable instrument after the enforcement formula is affixed by the competent enforcement court, such that the agreement may be enforced by force if the other party fails to implement the settlement. His Excellency noted that the Ministry of Labour and Social Development will establish an integrated and competent team to manage this body and work to resolve individual labour disputes amicably within the framework of the Private Sector Labour Law, thereby reducing the number of cases brought before the courts. He emphasised that this will enhance the rate of individual labour disputes resolved within the Ministry without resorting to the courts. His Excellency concluded by affirming that labour legislation in the Kingdom of Bahrain is among the most advanced globally, guaranteeing the rights of all parties involved in production and providing a safe and sound work environment. He noted that the establishment of the Individual Dispute Resolution Authority complements the provisions of the Private Sector Labour Law and the necessary ministerial decisions.