Jordanian Labor Watch-
Workers at the General Specialized Steel Manufacturing Co., located in Al-Muwaqqar, expressed frustration over the factory management's prolonged delay in addressing their demands.
The workers confirmed to “Jordanian Labor Watch” that they are still waiting for a decision on resolving the labor dispute, which they formally presented to the Ministry of Labor through the General Trade Union of Workers in Mining and Metal Industries, last October.
They also expressed their disappointment as the negotiations were repeatedly postponed, despite scheduling meetings twice since last year.
The workers pointed out that after they joined the general trade union, the head of the union wrote to the Minister of Labor and submitted several demands to improve the situation of workers in the factory.
Those demands included: paying an annual increase of no less than 5% of the basic salary for all workers. Also paying an amount of fifty Jordanian dinars as a high living expense allowance.
They also demanded half a month's salary for each worker during the holidays, as approved in the company’s by-laws since 2007, which was implemented till 2016.
Among the worker's demands is to be included along with their families in health insurance, in addition to paying a danger allowance due to the nature of their work.
The worker’s also called for establishing a savings fund where a certain percentage would be deducted from both their salaries and the factory.
The factory currently employs around 130 workers, consisting of 70 Jordanians and individuals from various other nationalities.