By Mohammed Al-Subhi

Okaz/Saudi Gazette

JEDDAH — The newly established labor courts in the Kingdom will not accept claims that are more than 12 months old after the termination of the contractual relationship between the employer and employee, according to a recent amendment made by the Council of Ministers to the Labor Law and the System of Labor Courts.

Under the amendment, the courts will consider such cases only if the claimant was able to provide a valid excuse acceptable to the court for the delay in filing the lawsuit beyond a period of 12 months or if the defendant raises no objection to the right of the aggrieved party to file a lawsuit at any time.

Under the amendment, the lawsuit should be preceded by a complaint to the labor office to take necessary procedures to settle the case amicably between the employee and the employer.

If the labor office failed to settle the dispute, it will give the nod to the concerned parties to go to the labor court.

According to informed sources, labor cases can be filed collectively by a number of workers in the labor court unless the Supreme Judicial Council rules against such a move.

Labor disputes become collective when they rise between the employer and two or more of his employees.

The sources said the courts were directed to consider labor cases as quickly as possible without any delay that may harm interests of the workers.

They said while the case is being considered, the employer will have no right to change the terms and conditions of the contract.