Lafarge Cement Jordan internal dispute resolved

AMMAN – The dispute between Lafarge Cement Jordan and its employees ended on Monday evening after negotiations led by the Labour Ministry. 

The company’s employees undertook several days of work stoppage to demand better working conditions before the ministry intervened to mediate between the association representing the workers and Lafarge company management. 

Under the settlement, employees will sign a collective work contract and resume work as normal, while an annual increase in salaries will be given to Rashadia factory workers based on their productivity and profits generated by the company, according to Labour Ministry Spokesperson Mohammad Khatib.

“The two sides also agreed to allow the ministry to lead direct negotiations between all concerned parties to discuss the issue of early retirement, and to ensure that the workers’ association does not ban workers from entering the company and continuing their work,” he told The Jordan Times on Tuesday. 

Lafarge also agreed to pay JD100 to every employee in the Rashadia cement factory on Eid Al Fitr. 

Labour Minister Ali Ghezawi underlined the ministry’s commitment to resolving labour issues and ensuring good relationships between employers and their staff.

President of the General Federation of Jordanian Trade Unions Mazen Maaytah and Lafarge CEO Amr Reda voiced their “satisfaction” over the settlement and praised the way the Labour Ministry handled the issue, according to a statement.