Protesters denounce ‘unjust’ labour, taxation laws

AMMAN — The Jordanian Federation of Independent Trade Unions (JFITU) on Monday organised protests in front of Parliament to press for their voices to be heard on the occasion of Labour Day.

"We celebrate this day by gathering here and chanting slogans that call for the freedom of forming trade unions, their plurality, just taxation laws and the protection of the social security money," JFITU President Suleiman Jamaani told The Jordan Times. 

Without explaining how, the JFITU, in a statement sent to The Jordan Times, claimed that the Labour Law contradicts the provisions of the Constitution, international criteria and charters and agreements, as well as declarations on human rights.

The federation added that the Lower House's Labour Committee is drafting an amended version of the Labour Law which would "tighten the grip" on the workers' freedom over the formation of trade unions and unions' pluralism.

"All sectors are suffering from the current situation. These tight restrictions and the limitations on discussing workers' rights are adversely affecting their living conditions," Belal Naimi, one the protesters, said, adding, "we are not calling for luxury demands, but for the basic rights of any worker".

"Workers are the country's main pillar and leaders of change, so if they are given decent labour rights, they will greatly contribute to the development of their country," he explained. 

The federation also called for more protection of the Social Security Corporation's assets. 

The protests also witnessed the presence of females workers who raised banners that read "female workers are women, not slaves".

"The situation of women in the labour market is moving backwards, so we seek better improvements to increase their participation," argued Wijdan Abu Ghanam, president of the women’s committee at JFITU, adding, "the huge number of women who participated today [Monday] reflects an increased awareness among female workers who are willing to call for their rights themselves, right next to their male counterparts".    

For Fatema Ofeishat, one of the protestors, "women are not only half of the society, but all the society, so we stand here to call for our rights of equality and to put an end to the labour violations on women".

"Workers are experiencing despair and frustrations in light of the lack of social justice and decent employment policies," JFITU Vice President Ahmad Meri told The Jordan Times, adding, "the fact that workers are still crowding to echo their claims is a positive indication that they still have hopes of making a constructive change."