The establishment and activities of the Labor Union at the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport (AASTMT) significantly contribute to the recognition of unions and labor rights, including freedom of association and collective bargaining, for all employees, including women and international staff. This commitment to labor rights aligns closely with Sustainable Development Goal 8 (SDG 8) - "Decent Work and Economic Growth." By ensuring democratic representation, promoting fair working conditions, fostering harmonious workplace relations, and aligning policies with international labor standards, the AASTMT Labor Union plays a pivotal role in advancing the SDG 8 objective of achieving sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all, including women and international staff.
In May 2023, the AASTMT announced the elections for the Labor union which is responsible for representing AASTMT faculty and staff. The labor union was officially approved by the AASTMT president. The AASMT labor union consists of 30 members (20 from the teaching staff and 10 from the employees). All of the members of the labor union are elected by AASTMT teaching faculty and employees. The elections were conducted in May 2023 on three days, where all employees of the AASTMT had the opportunity to elect their representatives online through their online portal. The elections resulted in the election of 14 females and 16 males to represent the AASTMT teaching staff and employees for three years.
The duties and responsibilities of the elected Labor union at AASTMT are as follows:
The Labor union serves as a strategic partner to the employees, supervisors, managers, and administration of the Arab Academy for Science, Technology, and Maritime Transport in all matters related to collective employee groups, union activity, and various collective bargaining agreements. More specifically, the focus of the Labor Union is as follows:
• Oversee labor relations between the University administration and AASTMT’s collective bargaining units, including negotiating, interpreting, and administering the various Collective Bargaining Agreements.
• Provide leadership and strategic guidance to managers, supervisors, and university human resource professionals regarding union activities, labor management matters, and any other matters concerning the collective bargaining agreements.
• Cultivate positive and proactive relationships between labor and management through collaborative conflict resolution.
• Guide the creation and interpretation of policies, procedures, and state and federal regulations.
In addition to the roles mentioned, the elected Labor Union at AASTMT may also have the following duties and responsibilities:
• Employee Advocacy: Advocate for the rights, concerns, and welfare of all employees within the university, ensuring that their voices are heard and their interests are represented effectively.
• Communication Liaison: Act as a bridge of communication between the university administration and the workforce, facilitating open and transparent dialogue on labor-related matters.
• Conflict Resolution: Play a pivotal role in mediating and resolving workplace conflicts and disputes to maintain a harmonious and productive work environment.
• Educational Outreach: Organize educational programs and workshops to inform employees about their rights, responsibilities, and the provisions of collective bargaining agreements.
• Policy Review: Collaborate with university management to review and recommend changes to policies and procedures that may impact employees covered by collective bargaining agreements.
• Compliance Monitoring: Monitor and ensure compliance with labor laws, regulations, and the terms of collective bargaining agreements, reporting any discrepancies or issues as necessary.
• Promotion of Inclusivity: Encourage diversity and inclusivity within the workforce, striving to create an environment that values and respects individual differences.
• Grievance Handling: Receive, investigate, and address employee grievances in accordance with established procedures and collective bargaining agreements.
• Advocacy for Fair Compensation: Advocate for fair and competitive compensation packages for employees, addressing issues related to wages, benefits, and working conditions.
• Representation in Negotiations: Participate in negotiations with the university administration to secure favorable terms and conditions for employees in collective bargaining agreements.
• Labor Relations Training: Offer training programs to educate employees, managers, and supervisors on labor relations practices and compliance with labor laws.
• Monitoring and Reporting: Continuously monitor labor union activities and developments, providing regular reports and updates to both union members and university leadership.
These additional roles and responsibilities demonstrate the comprehensive and multifaceted role of the elected Labor Union in ensuring fair labor practices and promoting a productive and harmonious work environment at AASTMT.
The elections for academic staff affairs at the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport (AASTMT) are directly related to Sustainable Development Goal 8 (SDG 8) - "Decent Work and Economic Growth." These elections promote inclusivity, transparency, and accountability within the academic community, ensuring that all faculty members, regardless of background, have a voice in shaping their working conditions. Elected members advocate for fair working conditions, academic excellence, and faculty welfare, aligning with SDG 8's objectives of fostering decent work, promoting full and productive employment, and advancing economic growth through equitable and transparent institutional practices.
The procedures for faculty staff elections in the AASTMT are crucial in ensuring fair and representative participation. Once elected, the roles of these members are multifaceted. Firstly, they serve as the voice and advocates of the academic faculty, representing their interests and concerns. These elected members actively engage in shaping academic policies, curriculum development, and faculty welfare. They work to bridge communication gaps between the faculty and the university administration, fostering a positive environment that encourages academic excellence, research, and innovation. Their roles extend to providing mentorship and support to colleagues, contributing to the institution's academic vision, and ensuring the quality of education provided to students.
Secondly, the elected members play a significant role in administrative decision-making processes. They participate in academic committees and contribute their expertise to the development of academic programs, student assessment methods, and faculty evaluations. Their involvement in resource allocation discussions ensures that necessary resources and infrastructure are secured to support effective teaching and research. By actively engaging in these administrative roles, they uphold transparency and efficiency in academic affairs. Their ultimate contribution lies in advancing the institution's academic success and fulfilling its mission of providing quality education. Once the elections' outcomes are accredited by the President of the Academy, these elected members continue to be instrumental in shaping the academic and administrative landscape of the institution.
To learn about the academic staff elections regulations, read the Academic Staff Affairs Regulations (English), Regulation 2014, page 8.
Academic Staff Affairs Regulations (Arabic), لائحة 2014 , pages 8 and 9.
The establishment and activities of the Labor Union at the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport (AASTMT) significantly contribute to the recognition of unions and labor rights, including freedom of association and collective bargaining, for all employees, including women and international staff. This commitment to labor rights aligns closely with Sustainable Development Goal 8 (SDG 8) - "Decent Work and Economic Growth." By ensuring democratic representation, promoting fair working conditions, fostering harmonious workplace relations, and aligning policies with international labor standards, the AASTMT Labor Union plays a pivotal role in advancing the SDG 8 objective of achieving sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all, including women and international staff.
In April 2021, the AASTMT announced the elections for the Labor union which is responsible for representing AASTMT faculty and staff. The labor union was officially approved by the AASTMT president. The AASMT labor union consists of 30 members (20 from the teaching staff and 10 from the employees). All of the members of the labor union are elected by AASTMT teaching faculty and employees. The elections were conducted in April 2021 on three days, where all employees of the AASTMT had the opportunity to elect their representatives online through their online portal. The elections resulted in the election of 17 females and 13 males to represent the AASTMT teaching staff and employees for three years Read more...
