Labour ministers from UfM meet at Dead Sea to discuss sector

AMMAN — Labour ministers from the 43 member states of the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM) on Monday convened at the Dead Sea to discuss developments in their respective labour markets. 

During the meeting, Labour Minister Ali Ghezawi said some of the core topics that require attention are bolstering social dialogue, improving the work environment, empowering women economically and socially, and preparing young people for the workforce, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

Ghezawi also brought attention to the main challenges on the regional labour front, namely unemployment and poverty, deeming these to be the "major threats" to the stability and security of the region.

Jordan's economic policies will focus on attracting investment in an effort to create more jobs, especially for young people, who have suffered an increase in unemployment rates, Petra quoted the minister as saying.

Mustapha Tlili, the president of the Arab Trade Union Confederation, said the region needs an independent monitor of the labour market that would enable researchers, and policy and decision makers to better understand the dynamic nature of the market.

Such a monitor would allow for predicting developments and providing suitable solutions for issues arising in Arab countries, south of the Mediterranean, Tlili said.

UfM Deputy Secretary General Sidqi Omoush emphasised common goals in securing the future of young workers and women through effective social dialogue that leads to employment opportunities, according to Petra.

Also speaking at the conference, which concludes Tuesday, Marianne Thyssen, the European commissioner for employment, social affairs, skills and labour mobility, stressed the power of social dialogue in bolstering stability.