Qatar construction sector focuses on worker participation, wages and safety

Qatar’s Ministry of Labour has held its second roundtable for the construction, building materials and wood sectors, with discussions focusing on worker participation, wage protection, occupational safety and health, and social dialogue.

The meeting, held in cooperation with Building and Wood Workers’ International (BWI), brought together government representatives, employers and workers.

A key focus was the implementation of the new framework for joint committees, with participants discussing ways to strengthen worker representation and create more effective communication channels between employees and employers.

Assistant Undersecretary for Migrant Labour Affairs Hamad Faraj Dalmouk said joint worker committees can provide a structured mechanism for addressing workplace challenges and improving working conditions, stability and productivity.

Wage protection was another key issue. Dalmouk highlighted Qatar’s Wage Protection System as an important mechanism for safeguarding workers’ rights by supporting timely wage payments and greater transparency between workers and employers.

Participants also discussed occupational safety and health, with the ministry stressing that improving working conditions requires measures beyond regulatory compliance, including safer workplaces and greater awareness of preventive practices.

The working sessions covered employment and recruitment, wage protection, occupational safety and health, worker participation, social dialogue and the role of joint committees in strengthening cooperation across the sector.

The discussions also drew on international experience and best practices, while considering approaches aligned with Qatar’s legislation and relevant international standards.

The Ministry of Labour reaffirmed its commitment to continued engagement with employers, workers and other stakeholders, saying sustained dialogue and sector-level cooperation are important to strengthening worker protection and supporting the efficiency and competitiveness of economic sectors.