8.2.8 Does your university as a body have a process for employees to appeal on employee rights and/or pay?
Al Maarefa University provides clear processes for employees to appeal regarding their rights, including those related to pay, in alignment with both university policy and Saudi labor law.
- Internal Grievance Procedures: The university follows an internal grievance process where employees can file complaints regarding any perceived violation of their rights, including pay discrepancies or other work-related issues. This process typically starts by addressing concerns with the immediate supervisor or HR department. If the issue remains unresolved, employees are encouraged to escalate it through higher administrative channels. This ensures that there is a structured method to resolve disputes within the organization.
- Saudi Labor Law: According to Saudi labor law, employees have the right to challenge decisions or actions that violate their employment rights, including pay issues. Article 77 of the Saudi Labor Law provides employees with the ability to file complaints with the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development if disputes arise related to contracts, pay, or working conditions. The Ministry acts as an arbitrator and can mediate between employers and employees to resolve conflicts.
- External Appeals Process: If internal grievance procedures fail or if an employee is unsatisfied with the university’s resolution, the Saudi Labor Court provides an external venue for legal recourse. Employees can file a formal complaint with the court, which will then review the case and issue a legally binding decision based on the facts and applicable laws. This allows employees to appeal decisions they believe are unjust or unlawful.
- Commitment to Transparency and Fairness: Al Maarefa University ensures its employees are aware of their rights and the procedures for addressing grievances through orientations and employee handbooks. This policy aligns with Vision 2030 goals for promoting workplace fairness, transparency, and respect for labor rights.
By integrating both internal and external systems for appealing disputes, the university demonstrates its commitment to maintaining a fair, transparent, and supportive work environment in line with Saudi legal frameworks and labor rights standards.
Handling Complaints and Suggestions Guide
Goal:
These procedures aim to ensure that complaints and appeals are dealt with with the utmost attention, effectiveness and confidentiality, and that they are followed up without delay through a mechanism under which it is ensured that complaints are efficiently tracked to reach the satisfaction of beneficiaries.
The mechanism used to receive complaints:
Complaints can be submitted through one of the available communication channels, as set out below:
• Dial
• Direct handling
• Written mail
• Visit the university during official working hours from Sunday to Thursday from 8:00 to 03:30 pm.
The mechanism used to deal with complaints:
The complaint should be submitted through any of the communication channels listed above, and if it is written, the beneficiary is required to fill out a “Complaint Form”.
The beneficiary is provided with a special reference number after receiving the complaint.
The administration informs the beneficiary, during) 3 (working days from the date of receipt of the complaint, that the complaint will be dealt with and a response will be submitted within (5) working days. In the event that the complaint is urgent, it shall be referred directly to the authorized person and follow-up decision soon. In the event that the beneficiary approves the decision, the complaint file is closed immediately after the implementation of the decision and its documents are saved. In the event that no one receives any An additional call or letter from the beneficiary Within 15 working days from the date of the final written response, the complaint shall be considered closed. All documents related to the doubt shall be archived.
Confidentiality of dealing with the complaint:
· The employee (the recipient of the complaint) maintains the confidentiality of the information, contents of the complaint and the documents related to it.
· The employee has the right to see only information and documents related to his work.
University of Almaarefa list of work organization
Pdf file attached in the evidence file
Employee Behavior and Work Ethics Policy
UM has a procedure that supports any employee who can fill a grievance according to the Administrative hierarchy in the organization, and there is a provision for that in the employee rights of the employee behavior and work ethics policy.
An employee rights unit was established nearly 5 years ago represented by an employee her reference was law to receive employees’ complaints and express their opinion as a legal authority, and then raise them to the concerned party inside the university, but it was later canceled and unfortunately there is no evidence for this and the committee’s approval.
Responsibilities and Discpline Rules
