AMMAN — The head of
Jordan's Labor Observatory (JLO), Ahmed
Awad, stated that current wage levels in the Kingdom do not align with living
conditions. The surge in prices for various goods and services has imposed
significant burdens on consumers.
اضافة اعلان
Awad commented on the increase in
inflation in Jordan,
emphasizing that it hasn't been met with a corresponding review of minimum
wages, whether in the government or private sector. Prices continue to rise,
and there are possibilities of further increases due to the ongoing
Israeli aggression on Gaza, Red Sea disruptions, and Bab el-Mandeb, as reported by
Khaberni.
In light of Prime Minister Bisher Al-Khasawneh's directives,
Awad urged concerned ministers to reconsider and increase wages. This would
enable citizens to cope with the anticipated price hikes and alleviate their
financial burdens.
JLO affirmed that wage levels in Jordan remain unchanged,
particularly the minimum wages in the private sector (currently at JD260), and
even wages in the public sector. This is despite the monthly cost-of-living
allowance of JD135, which has not increased for nearly 10 years.
According to JLO, the government had backtracked in January
of the previous year on implementing the tripartite committee's decision to
automatically raise the minimum wage based on the announced inflation rates by
the General Statistics Department. It decided not to increase it until 2025.
Several commodity groups significantly contributed to the
inflation increase in 2023 compared to 2022, such as fuel and lighting by 5.76
percent, dairy and eggs by 5.70 percent, and personal luggage by 4.94 percent.
Prime Minister
Bisher Al-Khasawneh directed ministries and
relevant authorities to take necessary measures to deal with the potential
inflationary effects on the Jordanian market and the world due to ongoing
Israeli aggression on Gaza and the existing conditions in the Red Sea.
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