Amman, June 18 (Petra) – A collective agreement was signed on Thursday at the Ministry of Labor between the General Union of Workers in Maritime Ports and Customs Clearance (JUWSC) and APM Terminals, a world leading port operator, to improve job benefits for 208 male and female workers at the company.

During the signing ceremony, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Labor, Dr. Abdul Halim Doujan, stated the ministry is "committed" to monitoring the worker affairs in the private sector and communicating with all stakeholders engaged in the production process to help resolve mass labor disputes.

Doujan said the ministry is working to oversee resolution of labor disputes and contribute to enhancing job stability and employee security in private sector institutions.

Doujan added that this effort ensures continuity of these institutions' operations by building "sound" labor relationships among the three parties of production (government, employers, and workers), providing a positive workplace and overseeing collective agreements in institutions to serve the two parties' interests.

Dujan noted the ministry encourages direct negotiations and cooperation between employers and unions, which "positively" impacts the work environment, job security for workers, and all economic and social aspects.

This process, he noted, strengthens workers' trust in their institutions and management, leading to increased productivity and achievement.

In turn, Vice President of the General Federation of Jordanian Trade Unions, Khaled Abu Marjoub stated the federation is "committed" to promoting the principle of social dialogue between workers and their representatives, and employers to foster a "positive" atmposhere for the two sides of the production process.

He commended the Ministry of Labor's role in "closely" overseeing and monitoring these dialogues to enhance productivity and support improvements in job benefits and the work environment for employees.

Meanwhile, APM Terminals Chief Financial Officer, Baudyn Boersma, stated the collective agreement came due to cooperation between the union and the company's management, facilitated by the Ministry of Labor.

Boersma added that this step will "positively" impact company employees due to the improved job benefits in the agreement.

Boersma emphasized the company's appreciation for its employees and their role as the foundation of the production process.

//Petra// AG