New initiative promotes social dialogue to resolve labour issues

AMMAN — A new EU-funded programme aims to promote social dialogue between governments and unions in order to address employment and labour market challenges. 

The programme, "Promotion of Social Dialogue in the Southern Mediterranean Neighbourhood", was launched on Thursday in Amman in a bid to improve dialogue between the governments of Jordan, Morocco and Tunisia, and professional associations. 

According to the EU, social dialogue refers to discussions, consultations and negotiations held between government representatives, employers and workers that result in creating more effective, fair and productive economies. 

"The timing for the work we are about to start today has come at the right time. Our region is in desperate need to lay the foundations for social justice that, in turn, strengthens society by providing opportunities for all," said Jacques Jean Sarraf, president of the Union of Mediterranean Confederation of Enterprises (Businessmed), at an event to launch the programme.

The project brings together all South Mediterranean Social Dialogue partners, including members of the International Trade Union Confederation and the Arab Trade Union Confederation.

"The Kingdom of Jordan is an example of how working towards social justice can prevent the spread of instability in a region that is seeing too much volatility," said Sarraf. 

Labour Minister Ali Ghezawi underlined the ministry's commitment to eliminating obstacles standing between the government, employers and workers, according to strategies that are in line with social developments. 

As one of the main objectives of social dialogue is to activate peaceful methods of resolving labour issues, Ghezawi underlined the importance of the project to the stability and security of countries.

The programme is expected to crystallise consensuses between governments, trade unions and NGOs in the three countries in question to reach joint stances that positively reflect on social and labour issues.