Amman, Mar. 16 (Petra) – The Worker Center Association has announced the official reopening of its facility within the Al-Hassan Industrial Estate in Irbid, marking a strategic return to full social and recreational programming dedicated to the Kingdom’s garment sector workforce. The center serves as a critical social platform designed to bolster the well-being of thousands of employees, fostering community engagement and promoting responsible industrial practices.

The association’s board of directors extended its commendations to the Ministry of Labour, the General Trade Union of Workers in Textile, Garment and Clothing Industries, the International Labour Organization (ILO), and the Jordan Garments, Accessories & Textiles Exporters' Association (JGATE), alongside the Jordan Chamber of Industry. These partnerships are viewed as instrumental in sustaining initiatives that anchor worker welfare as a cornerstone of the national garment industry’s competitive edge.

The renovation and full operational funding for the center were provided entirely by the factories operating within the industrial estate. This localized investment reflects a significant commitment by the private sector to maintain social infrastructure and improve the quality of life for the labor force.

"The reopening of the Worker Center is a milestone in our efforts to create a supportive and inclusive environment for the workforce in Al-Hassan Industrial Estate," said Ahlam Al-Tayrawi, Chairwoman of the Worker Center Association. "It embodies the strength of the partnership between government entities, international organizations, and the garment industry in enhancing labor stability and social cohesion." Established in 2012 by the ILO, the center occupies a 4,081-square-meter plot and services nine major industrial plants. Following the 2024 refurbishment of its athletic facilities, the center now offers a comprehensive suite of amenities, including a football pitch, a modernized gymnasium, and specialized training halls for computer literacy and English language instruction. These facilities are designed to merge recreational opportunities with professional development, creating a holistic support system for the industrial workforce.

The facility provides an essential "third space" for workers to decompress, attend awareness sessions, and access counseling services. By facilitating social interaction and providing a welcoming environment outside of the factory floor, the center plays a pivotal role in Jordan’s broader strategy to institutionalize sustainable and responsible manufacturing standards.

//Petra// AA