“Labor” to “Al-Taj”: National Decent Work Program in Jordan Began 20 Years Ago

Al-Taj News –

Wafaa Subaih.

On the occasion of World Day for Decent Work, which falls today, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Labor, Mohammed Al-Zyoud, said that the path of the National Decent Work Program in Jordan began 20 years ago, with an ongoing strategic partnership with the International Labour Organization and close and continuous cooperation with local partners representing employers and workers.

Al-Zyoud added during his interview with “Al-Taj News” that the government has consistently worked to develop the Labor Law and the regulations and instructions issued pursuant to it, in line with international standards, with the aim of strengthening oversight of the labor market, protecting workers in it, and ensuring the provision of a decent and healthy work environment for them.

He confirmed that the development of legislation was accompanied by the modernization and development of the inspection system to enforce the provisions of the Labor Law and protect workers.

He explained that the National Decent Work Program in Jordan is implemented according to a participatory approach based on involving the three parties of production: “the government, employers, and workers,” where it is developed and implemented through cooperation between the government, represented by the Ministry of Labor, representatives of employers, and representatives of workers, in partnership with the International Labour Organization.

He pointed out that this approach enhances the principle of social dialogue in determining national priorities, and ensures policy alignment and the sustainability of its impact.

It is noteworthy that World Day for Decent Work falls on October 7 of each year, and aims to highlight the importance of providing productive and fair employment opportunities that guarantee workers’ rights and dignity, and provide them with a safe work environment and appropriate social protection.

The International Labour Organization introduced the concept of decent work in 1999, to become one of its main objectives, and it is based on four basic pillars: providing employment opportunities, ensuring workers’ rights, social protection, and promoting social dialogue among the parties of production.

Decent work is regarded as one of the essential elements for achieving social justice and sustainable development, by ensuring that workers receive fair wages and safe working conditions, in addition to respecting their rights and enhancing their participation in shaping policies related to the labor market.