It was among the new 198-article Private Sector Law being reviewed by the council at its weekly meeting.

Under article 177, companies will have to co-ordinate with their labour unions to come up with programmes and activities for workers.

Some councillors criticised the Parliament-inserted article, saying that it was unfair as other companies with workers below that number were not obliged to provide such services. They also stressed that the services were general in the bill, without a clear definition on what should be offered.

Labour Minister Dr Majeed Al Alawi said that the programmes and activities would allow employees to feel more comfortable and productive in an establishment.

He said that on the issue over the number of employees for the law to be applicable, it could be clarified when they meet with the services committee as they finalise nine other pending articles.

The 10 articles will be presented at next week's session, so councillors could vote on the law.

The council has already blocked some articles of the bill proposed by MPs, including increased time off for mothers working in the private sector and forcing employers to pay all legal costs if their staff takes them to court for malice.

If Parliament and the Shura Council cannot agree on articles in the law then the bill could be scrapped altogether.

Under other articles approved yesterday, employers who don't change their status to be in line with the new law will be fined between BD200 and BD500.

Contracts signed under the current law will have to be changed to include the new benefits granted to employees under the new law. If the new law gives less benefit to employees in their current deals, then new contracts according to the new law have to be made.

Those who don't fulfil safety and health standards at their establishment could face jail sentences up to three months, fined between BD500 and BD1,000, or both. In case the employer violates the law again, the punishment will be double.