Amman, Oct. 19 (Petra) - The Ministry of Labor and the International Labour Organization (ILO) on Monday signed an agreement launching the "Better Work and Labor Governance to Support Jordan’s Garment Sector" project to improve working conditions, protect workers’ rights, and boost labor governance across the industry.
The agreement was signed by Labor Minister Nidal Qatamin and ILO Regional Director for Arab States Ruba Jaradat.
The project will provide practical support to factories to improve compliance with labor standards. It will also bolster national efforts to prevent forced labor, promote fair recruitment, expand access to reliable worker support and representation mechanisms, and reinforce institutions responsible for protecting workers’ rights.
The initiative also seeks to improve access to support services, including through the establishment of a dedicated worker service center, particularly for migrant workers and women.
The agreement establishes the framework for the next phase of cooperation, building on a letter of intent signed by the government and the ILO in July.
Implementation will begin with a three-month preparatory phase to establish governance arrangements, complete baseline and institutional capacity assessments, approve detailed work plans, formalize partnerships and finalize monitoring mechanisms. This phase will allow the government, the ILO, and social partners to coordinate activities according to national priorities and available resources.
Alongside factory-level support, the project will improve systems for handling complaints and resolving labor disputes, while expanding workers’ access to effective grievance and representation mechanisms, particularly for women and migrant workers.
It will also support the establishment and activation of the National Joint Council for the Jordan Garment and Textile Industry, which will serve as a platform for coordination, social dialogue and monitoring progress among stakeholders.
Qatamin said the agreement showcases Jordan’s commitment to protecting workers’ rights, improving working conditions and bettering governance in the garment sector through clear programs and dedicated funding.
He added that the project would provide practical support to factories and national inspection and complaints systems, delivering tangible improvements for workers while ensuring manufacturers receive the guidance and accountability mechanisms needed to meet labor standards.
Qatamin also mentioned the strategic importance of the garment and textile sector under the Economic Modernization Vision, describing it as a "priority industry with significant potential" for growth, higher value-added production and job creation.
Jaradat, for her part, said the ILO was committed to continuing its support for the government in creating a safe and fair working environment and building a strong, internationally competitive garment sector.
The ILO will work closely with the government, employers and workers to strengthen labor market systems, institutional capacity and partnerships that promote better working conditions, according to Jaradat. The aim, she added, is to keep decent work at the center of the sector’s growth while supporting its long-term resilience and competitiveness.
//Petra// HA
