Jordan Labor Watch - Sarah Alqudah
Workers of the Jordanian Syrian Land Transport Company protesting in front of the Ministry of Transport’s building were made to break up their sit-in yesterday evening, Sunday, 14th of June, after the Public Security Directorate compelled them to do so, protestors told Jordan Labor Watch.
The 5-day demonstration was held by workers protesting not receiving their salary for the past 18 months.
Ahmad Al-Muqayda, one of the protesters, told Jordan Labor Watch that the protests were peaceful, and that no offensive banners were lifted. “We were surprised that the Public Security Directorate broke up our demonstration and threatened to use force if we were not compliant, due to the Minister of Transport’s rejection of the presence of protesters outside the Ministry of Transport’s building.”
He clarified that workers have attempted to communicate with the Committee for Labor and Social Development Committee, which they hoped would help resolve the dispute. However, no workable solution was reached. Al-Muqayda said that the workers tried their best to reach a compromise, adding that such a compromise could include “giving [the workers] at least a portion of [their] salaries.” He also added that the Minister of Transport refused to meet with the protestors on three previous occasions before the workers began their sit-in in front of the Ministry of Transport’s building.
Al-Muqayda also said that three workers have filed complaints with the National Center of Human Rights, demanding a just solution.
Amjad Talawi, another protesting worker, told Jordan Labor Watch that the number of workers at the demonstration site in front of the Ministry’s building is fifteen out of a total of twenty-five Jordanian employees who have not received their salaries.
He said that the Ministry of Transport had promised the employees to give them their full dues, and that it was said that the company had been liquidated after its meeting with the Committee for Labor and Social Development Committee in March of last year. “Despite this,” he continued, “they are still stalling meeting our demands.”