KUWAIT CITY, Dec 30: Responsible sources within the Ministry of Electricity, Water, and Renewable Energy have confirmed that the current shift system—comprising 12 working hours followed by 24 hours of rest, then 12 working hours followed by 48 hours of rest—will remain unchanged for the foreseeable future. There is near consensus within the ministry on maintaining this system until matters are finalized with the Civil Service Council, as its continuation is essential for most sectors within the ministry.

The sources emphasized that no new shift system decisions have been made by ministry officials. Despite the Civil Service Commission rejecting the current system on more than three occasions, it will remain in place until an agreement is reached with the Civil Service Council and Commission.

In related developments, sources revealed that the Diwan has approved a letter from the Ministry confirming that employees working under the current shift system will not be considered absent for the year 2024. Additionally, direct managers will be given the authority to record attendance and departure times for shifts in the relevant documents.

The sources also noted that maintaining the current shift system without official approval from the Civil Service Council would be considered a violation of the Council’s decisions. However, this could be avoided if the Ministry obtains an exemption from implementing Resolution No. 12 of 2012 and its amendments, which relate to the approved shift system as outlined by the Commission.

Furthermore, electricity sector sources informed that multiple correspondences have been exchanged between administrative affairs and various ministry sectors regarding the implementation of the new shift system proposed by the Commission. These discussions aim to find a system that aligns with the needs of all sectors within the ministry.