Promoting Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work in Jordan (Phase II)

The “Promoting Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work” in Jordan project aims to strengthened the labour relations environment for economic development and social stability. The project “Promoting the Right to Freedom of Association and the Right to Collective Bargaining – Phase II” works with the tripartite constituents in twelve target countries and at the global level to advance the realization of the ILO’s fundamental principles and rights of freedom of association and collective bargaining. Both Projects are working towards improving respect for collective bargaining rights in law and practice. They also aim to raise awareness and increase the knowledge on collective bargaining, particularly at the sectoral levels.

In Jordan, the projects have so far focused its efforts on Jordan’s ready-made garment sector. Preparations have begun in two other industries, the construction and food processing industries, to enhance sector level collective bargaining. Particular attention will be paid to address challenges faced by migrant workers in these sectors.

Both projects share similar strategic approaches with regards to objectives and outcomes.

Objectives:

• Providing technical support to the Ministry of Labour to strengthen regulations to enforce fundamental principles and rights at work in accordance with Jordan’s labour laws;
• promoting the effective exercise of collective bargaining rights at the sectoral level, particularly in sectors of high density in migrant workers;
• developing the capacity of Ministry of Labour officials on labour dispute prevention and resolution;
• strengthening the capacity of social partners to successfully engage in and negotiate win-win collective bargaining agreements;
• facilitating tripartite discussion to identify gaps in national law with regard to freedom of association and the right to organize and bargain collectively; and
• support tripartite initiatives to bring national law into conformity with the principles of freedom of association taking into account the current political environment.

Activities:

• Develop and adopt recommendations on ways and means to eliminate discriminatory language in collaboration with the National Tripartite Minimum Wage Committee;
• provide technical advisory support to MOL to organize a tripartite discussion to reach a set of legal provisions to reflect ILO principles on collective bargaining in relevant national legislation;
• facilitate a dialogue between tripartite constituents and the parliament on the recommendations and the process of labour law reform;
• carry out advisory technical sessions to improve MOL working procedures and tools on industrial relations, collective bargaining and the prevention of disputes; and
• carry out a training programme social partner in selected sectors (construction and food processing) on interest based negotiation, labour mediation and the prevention of dispute.

Outcome:

• Recommendations drafted on ways and means to adapt discriminatory language changed in collaboration with the National Minimum Wage Committee.
• Ministry of Labour Officials are trained and have better tools to effectively promote labour mediation and dispute for all workers, including migrant workers.
• Unions and employers have improved capacity to engage in collective bargaining in two selected sectors. Attention will be given to promote bipartite negotiations that eliminate discriminatory practices on employment terms and working conditions between national and migrant workers, including on wages and other components of remuneration.