"UAE bars workers in collective labour disputes from downing tools", 6 December 2018

The UAE’s Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation has issued a new resolution that will bar workers from stopping work and closing their facility if they are involved in a labour dispute. The resolution... covers collective labour disputes between an employer and its workers related to basic labour rights contained within the contract of employment. The number of workers involved should not be under 100. “According to the resolution, employers and workers should settle their collective disputes firstly through direct negotiation, followed by mediation, conciliation and arbitration, according to the stated procedures in the resolution and other relevant resolutions,” state news agency WAM reported. Under the changes, workers must notify their employer of any collective dispute to initiate a solution. The employer and workers should then inform a ministry customer centre within the emirate in which the dispute occurred... “Workers are not allowed to stop working or close their facility before all settlement methods have been exhausted,” WAM said. The ministry said it would take legal measures against the employer or workers if the terms of an agreement resulting from mediation or conciliation are breached. This includes any party that fails to respond to a summons by the Center or the Conciliation Commission or does not comply with its decisions...