Long period of litigation between disputing parties poses a biggest problem in settling labor disputes, said Dr. Abdul Wahid Al-Humaid, Deputy Minister of Labor, here on Sunday night. Addressing labor commissioners from across the Kingdom, Al-Humaid confirmed that the ministry attaches great importance to the commissions for settling labor disputes and is seriously interested in developing and upgrading them. “I would like to laud the efforts you are making in carrying out your work and the attempts you are making to deal with the burdens and hardships you face,” Al-Humaid told labor officials. He pointed out that the work environment in the commissions for settling labor disputes is not devoid of tension and annoyance in view of the psychological condition of the litigants and their desire to have verdicts issued in their favor as soon as possible despite the fact that some cases are complicated and are full of details requiring patient contemplation. He stressed that the nature of the work of the commissions' staff affects the image of not only the ministry, but the Kingdom as well. “Our country has millions of expatriate workers some of whom have labor disputes. Undoubtedly, the way you deal with cases forms part of the image of this country that these workers will carry to their home countries. I am confident that you realize that your work is a responsibility and trust that we will all be accountable for before Almighty Allah,” he said. During meetings with litigants and those who have transactions at the ministry, he said he has noticed that the biggest problem is the long period of litigation. “Undoubtedly, there are reasons for this, as you and I know, but the litigants do not always understand or appreciate them. Let us cooperate to overcome the obstacles and difficulties. Perhaps this meeting, which has brought together all the heads of labor commissions, will initiate discussions and find solutions. We are looking forward to what recommendations you will come up with. They will be of great importance to the minister and the leading officials in the ministry,” he said.
