GFJTU collaborates with ILO to enhance labour laws, workers’ rights

AMMAN — The General Federation of Jordanian Trade Unions (GFJTU) held high-level discussions with the International Labour Organisation (ILO) to address crucial labour issues in Jordan, including amendments to labour and social security laws and the rights of foreign workers.

The meeting, held at the union headquarters, was headed by GFJTU President Khaled Fanatsah, where the ILO delegation included Deputy Regional Director and Director of the Decent Work Team for Arab States Peter Rademaker, and Coordinator of the ILO office in Jordan, Amal Mowafi.

Fanatsah reviewed the union’s strategic objectives and work plan for the next phase, highlighting priorities that require ILO support, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. 

He went over the main focus areas such as enhancing union membership through organising campaigns, particularly in unorganised sectors, and improving social protection for foreign workers.

Fanatsah also stressed the need to utilise technical expertise from the ILO to develop a strategic restructuring plan, particularly emphasising boosting the women and youth committees.

He highlighted recent achievements, such as the launch of a unified contract platform for workers in the private education and kindergarten sectors.

The collaboration between GFJTU and the ILO office in Jordan has resulted in several joint projects and programmes, Fanatsah said, stressing the importance of continued cooperation to advance labour rights and improve working conditions.

Rademaker praised the union’s efforts to promote transparency and objectivity in its operations and expressed readiness to support the GFJTU's initiatives to enhance labour standards, improve workers’ living and economic conditions, and uphold decent work principles.