A photo from the sit-in organized by representatives of several labor unions.

KUWAIT CITY, Dec 29: Representatives of several labor unions on Tuesday organized a sit-in in front of the Public Authority for Manpower, protesting against the new executive orders implemented by the authority, which give it power over the labor unions.

The protesters consider the new executive orders issued by Minister of Social Affairs and Labor and State Minister for Planning and Development Hind Al-Sabeeh a violation of the Constitution and international agreements on the work of labor unions. Chairperson of the Arab Labor Union at the Municipality and Tourism sectors Mohammad Al-Araad explained the action is in protest against the interference of the ministry and the authority in the affairs of labor unions by attempting to equalize labor unions with ministries and public authorities. Al-Araad affirmed the minister’s move tarnishes the reputation of Kuwait, adding that labor unions are protected from any interference or any authority which attempts to control them.

The protesters vowed to paralyze the entire labor union movement if the new orders are not suspended, warning that they will form a delegation to air their grievances to the Arab Labor Union (ALU) and the International Labor Organization (ILO). Meanwhile, acting Director General of the Public Authority for Manpower Ahmad Al-Mousa asserted the authority has not and will not interfere in the affairs of labor unions, based on the belief that these unions are fully abiding by international agreements which regulate their work. He said the new executive orders are only aimed at guiding and organizing the labor unions’ work without any interference from the concerned government authority

By Fares Al-Abdan Al-Seyassah Staff