Labour Ministry reports progress on wage disputes, pending cases in 2025

AMMAN — The Wage Authority Unit addressed 354 labour cases last year while carrying 14 pending cases into 2025, according to Ministry of Labour figures released on Sunday.

Ministry Spokesman Mohammad Zyoud saidthat the specialised tribunal registered 368 cases throughout 2024 while providing legal consultation on 794 labour complaints, directing workers to either file formal wage disputes with the authority or pursue claims through competent magistrate courts, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

"The Wage Authority has exclusive jurisdiction over non-payment of remuneration, illegal wage deductions, delayed compensation, unpaid overtime, and wage discrimination for work of equal value," Zyoud explained, noting that all such cases are expedited under the tribunal's statutory mandate.

Established under Article 54 of Labour Law No. 8 of 1996, the specialised judicial body operates within Amman with jurisdiction over wage-related litigation.

The labour minister may appoint specialists in labour affairs to serve on the tribunal, which can be composed of one or more adjudicators.

The authority provides mediation services at workers' request, provided such mediation occurs within the six-month statutory limitation period following employment termination.

Cases proceed with both parties present or through legal representatives, though worker absence results in dismissal while employer absence triggers default judgment procedures.

Zyoud highlighted that workers may file claims while actively employed or within six months of resignation. Tribunal decisions awarding more than JD100 are appealable to the Court of Appeals within a 10-day notification period.

The spokesman noted that enforcement departments implement the authority's decisions with the same force as regular court judgments, with awarded compensation exempt from instalment payment arrangements.

Worker claims and enforcement documents are also exempt from fees and stamp duties, enhancing access to justice for vulnerable workers.