Lower House labour panel brokers deal to end JPMC workers’ strike

AMMAN — The Lower House Labour Committee on Sunday reached an agreement with the Jordan Phosphate Mines Company’s (JPMC) employees, ending their two-week strike.

The deal was reached while dozens of protesting workers were standing at the gates of Parliament seeking MPs’ help in resolving their row with the JPMC administration.

The agreement grants the workers their demands and cancels a restructuring plan that was aimed at governing future increases in allowances and salaries.

The restructuring of the company was based on a decision previously taken by the JPMC board of directors.

Under the deal, the company will increase allocations for the employees’ fund by 4 per cent.

The agreement also establishes a new fund for end-of-service compensation, which the JPMC will support with 2 per cent of its annual profit with a ceiling of JD2 million.

The meeting with the workers took place at the Parliament and was attended by representatives from the JPMC administration.

The agreement also grants employees a cost of living allowance of JD60, in addition to 2 per cent of the company’s profit.

Under the deal, the JPMC will increase educational scholarships by 39 this year and grant each worker one scholarship next year.

Last month, JPMC Chairman Amer Majali said the administration has reached its limit in acceding to employees’ demands, stressing that the restructuring measures were agreed upon with the workers and their representatives.