Unemployment has ‘serious repercussions’ on youth — Trade Union Federation

AMMAN — The General Federation of Jordan Trade Unions affirmed that the phenomenon of unemployment has serious repercussions on society, and on youth in particular.

In addition to the economic and social implications that affect their future and their role in development, youth unemployment impedes their participation in building the nation.

In a statement on the occasion of International Labour Day, Union President Mazen Al Maaytah said that youth are “a great force in society” as they comprise the largest segment. 

Maaytah noted that worsening youth unemployment has dangerous social consequences for young people, and “huge opportunities are lost”. It is possible to benefit the national economy and build the country through the great capabilities and skills the youth possess, he added.

Official statistics show that the unemployment rate among young people in the age group (15-24) years has reached 47.2 per cent, according to Maaytah.

“In light of these facts, we are facing a great challenge that requires greater efforts by the government, and serious steps, without delay or slowdown, in terms of implementing the economic modernisation vision, and the programmes emanating from it, including creating new job opportunities targeting young people, achieving economic empowerment for them and advancing their social reality,” Maaytah said, stressing the need for private sector coordination to stimulate the national economy and generate new employment opportunities.

Commenting on the issue, economist Hosam Ayesh told The Jordan Times on Monday that “we need an economic model different from the one currently used to reduce unemployment rates”.

Getting out from under the burden of unemployment necessitates support for entrepreneurial ideas and small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This requires the presence of financing, policies and a society that understands the role of these institutions, Ayesh said.

Maaytah indicated that the federation “has always focused on the importance of providing job security” and helping workers keep their jobs. In particular, the union intervenes in cases of establishments and institutions that have been subjected to difficult financial conditions, to try and prevent increases to unemployment.

Maaytah also stressed that many sectors are still suffering from inappropriate work environments. The rights of some workers are under threat in terms of fair wages, working hours, working conditions, social security, holidays, occupational health and safety, and others, he added.

At the current stage, labour rights are witnessing a decline in various sectors, Maaytah said, noting that the federation, through the use of trade unions, has achieved progress across many sectors in this regard. 

“Under the umbrella of the federation, trade unions were able to achieve collective labour agreements with employers; some at the establishment level, others at the sectoral level. Most of them were reached through direct negotiation,” Maaytah said.

Promoting decent work standards and advancing workers’ rights, as stipulated in the governing legislation, is an economic necessity and a national interest, Maaytah noted, as the advancement of the national economic system and the achievement of economic and social development can only be achieved by creating decent and safe job opportunities that guarantee and respect workers’ rights.