jordan pulse -

The Jordan Labour Watch has called on the government to urgently intervene to stop a decision by a garment factory in Al-Hassan Industrial City, Irbid, to terminate the services of 38 workers from Jerash and Ajloun governorates.

In a statement issued today, Sunday, the Labour Watch said the factory justified the decision as a cost-cutting measure to reduce worker transportation expenses and financial losses. However, the move has severe repercussions on the livelihoods of the workers and their families.

The statement highlighted that most of the affected workers are women who are the primary breadwinners for their families and have worked at the factory for many years, making the decision unjust.

The Labour Watch pointed out that the garment industry in Jordan benefits from extensive government support, necessitating adherence to its responsibilities toward workers and the community.

It urged the government to include workers in this sector in minimum wage increases to ensure decent living conditions. Currently, their wages range between 220 and 350 dinars, which are insufficient to meet basic living needs.

The statement also noted that one of the terminated employees is a woman in her seventh month of pregnancy, a violation of Article (27) of the Labour Law, which prohibits dismissing pregnant women from the sixth month of pregnancy onwards.

The Labour Watch called on the government and relevant authorities to ensure the factory reverses its decision to lay off the workers.

Meanwhile, the General Union of Workers in Textile and Garment Industries stated that it had contacted the factory management to revoke the decision, but the request was rejected.

The demanded that the factory comply with labour laws and fairly compensate workers based on their years of service. It confirmed its intent to take legal action if the issue is not resolved.

In its statement, the Labour Watch stressed the need for practical measures to safeguard workers' rights in the garment sector, which enjoys significant government support. It emphasized the importance of balancing company interests with workers' stability to promote a productive and equitable work environment in this vital industry.