AMMAN – A
comprehensive report issued on Wednesday by the Jordanian Labor Observatory
revealed that 2023 was a challenging year for workers in Jordan due to
“widespread deprivation of their rights and encroachment upon them.” Working
conditions continued to deteriorate across policies and practices “without any
government indications for improvement.”
اضافة اعلان
Throughout 2023,
various violations against workers’ rights occurred in both the public and
private sectors. These violations included delayed payment of wages for both
male and female workers, as well as non-payment of wages for extended periods,
exclusion from social security and health insurance, and failure to meet
minimum occupational safety and health requirements in the workplace, among
other infringements, Al-Mamlaka TV reported.
Among the prominent
violations documented by the Jordanian Labor Observatory, dozens of workers at
an iron manufacturing company in Al-Muwaqqar suffered from repeated delays in
their monthly salaries.
Similarly, there
were transgressions at a power generation company in Al-Ghabawi in the Zarqa
Governorate. The company’s management implemented several measures described by
workers as “provocative,” including compelling them to work on official
holidays and assigning tasks outside their expertise, many of which were
physically demanding and posed risks to their safety.
Another significant
labor issue observed by the Labor Observatory involved 180 workers employed
under the cheque system at the Yarmouk Water Company (YWC) in Irbid. These
workers faced multiple hardships, including low wages, not being registered for
social security and health insurance, and denial of annual leave, sick leave,
and official holidays.
Additionally, the
report highlighted a labor-related case that came to the forefront at the end
of 2023. In a garment factory located in the industrial city of Sahab, workers,
especially migrants, complained about harsh conditions. They had been without salaries
for five months and lacked work permits. Their living conditions were also
inadequate, with severe water shortages and frequent, prolonged power outages.
Furthermore, the
medical sector in Jordan continues to fall short of appropriate labor
standards. Medical support staff and nursing assistants in the Ministry of
Health (MoH) have been waiting years for their demands to be met, particularly
those related to allowances. Furthermore, medical interns working in the MoH,
private hospitals, and Jordanian Royal Medical Services (JRMS) receive either
no pay or wages below the minimum threshold and are deprived of social security
benefits.
The report did not
overlook the situation of unorganized labor. During 2023, the Labor Observatory
observed the conditions of many workers operating in the unorganized sector.
These workers included those in scrap-related work, agriculture, butchery, and
service purchasing. Additionally, literacy teachers faced similar challenges.
These workers lacked social protection, especially social security coverage,
and often received low wages. Furthermore, they were deprived of proper
occupational safety and health conditions, highlighting the need for improved
labor standards.
The economic impact of the Israeli war on Gaza
Moreover, the
report highlighted the gradual impact of the Israeli war on the Jordanian
economy. The ongoing aggression against Gaza increased pressure on Jordanian
workers, affecting thousands due to the declining performance of foreign
companies and their branches, which were boycotted as a means to halt the war.
Economic sectors,
particularly tourism-related establishments such as hotels and restaurants,
also suffered due to the continuous aggression in Gaza.
The report
emphasized that the government has not yet provided protective measures for
those affected by the boycott campaigns or the war, despite the societal right
to boycott.
Workers have had enough
Throughout 2023,
the Labor Observatory documented dozens of labor protests in various forms,
including sit-ins, strikes, and marches.
These protests
involved a diverse range of workers, including those affiliated with unions,
labor committees, and professional associations, as well as workers outside any
organized union framework. The affected groups included unemployed individuals
and retirees.
Regarding
unemployment rates, the report highlighted that the Jordanian economy still
struggles to create sufficient job opportunities. Unemployment rates reached
exceptionally high levels compared to historical rates in Jordan and global
averages. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the unemployment rate stood at 19.2
percent, rising to 22.3 percent during the third quarter of 2023. Among young
people aged 15–19 and 20–24, the rates were even higher at 56.8 percent and
47.3 percent, respectively.
The past few years
have witnessed a tangible decline in the number of newly created jobs. From
70,000 new jobs in 2007, the figure dropped to 38,000 in 2018. The decline
continued during 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic’s impact. However, there was
a slight increase in the second half of 2022, with approximately 46,000 new
jobs created.
However, in 2023,
significant decisions were made to amend or enact important labor legislation.
These included modifications to the Labor Law and Social Security Law, as well
as the introduction of new regulations related to occupational safety and health
and the employment system for Jordanians in private schools.
The report assessed
the benefits and drawbacks of each legislative change. Most amendments to the
Labor Law and Social Security Law were deemed “regressive and inconsistent with
internationally recognized labor standards.” Imbalances were also identified in
occupational safety and health arrangements.
Read more National news
Jordan News
.jpg)
.jpg)
