Tamkeen calls for revising legislation relating to minimum wages in textile sector

AMMAN — Tamkeen for Legal Aid and Human Rights Organisation, in a recent discussion session, called for revising legislation related to the minimum wages in the local textile sector.

In a statement to The Jordan Times, Tamkeen recommended intensifying inspection campaigns by the Ministry of Labour to factories, in order to check on the overall working environment, and to ensure all employees obtain their legitimate labour rights.

According to the most recent study by Tamkeen on the textile sector in Dulail’s industrial district in Zarqa, Jordanian and migrant workers are constrained by their low wages which are not enough for their basic needs amid rising living costs.

Migrant workers accept to work under such conditions, due to having less monthly expenses when compared with refugee and Jordanian workers, the study further showed.

The study focused on labour conditions and social protection and mental health, noting that around 21,622 people are employed in 10 factories which are located in the aforementioned industrial zone.

“Most of the workers are still legally and economically vulnerable,” the study noted.

“The industrial zone in Dulail was chosen for the study, as there is an apparent lack of information and studies on the district’s labour conditions and violations facing its employees,” in addition to the fact that there are accommodations located outside the industrial zone, according to Tamkeen.

The accommodations lack any kind of respect for human rights when it comes to the place of residence, the study found.

In this regard, Khaled Omrani, member of the General Syndicate of Workers in the Textile and Apparel Industry, said “Despite the positive developments in the sector, there remains a significant number of challenges,”.