The International Labour Organization (ILO) and the General Federation of Jordanian Trade Unions (GFJTU) have signed an agreement to implement the second phase of the "Union Power for a More Inclusive and Gender-Equal World of Work" project, under the patronage of the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Labour Abdulhalim Dujan.
The new nine-month phase aims to improve workers' access to labour rights, promote gender equality and strengthen the Federation's capacity to advance inclusive social dialogue.
The agreement was signed by GFJTU President Khaled Al-Fanatsah and ILO Jordan Country Coordinator Amal Mowafy, in the presence of heads of trade unions and members of the ILO's Decent Work for Women Programme team and the Union Power project team.
Secretary-General Dujan confirmed the Ministry of Labour's support for the project's objectives and highlighted its importance in strengthening the effectiveness of trade unions in representing workers' interests, defending their rights and leading the labour movement through their collective strength. He noted that this enables unions to play a meaningful role in society and contribute to positive change. He also commended the Federation's ongoing efforts, particularly its institutional development, growing public presence and ability to effectively represent the interests of workers.
GFJTU President Al-Fanatsah noted that the project falls within the framework of the strategic partnership between the Federation and the ILO, which is based on shared objectives to improve labour legislation, expand social protection and promote decent work standards. He added that the initiative is aligned with the Federation's strategic plan to increase women's participation in trade union leadership and strengthen their role in trade union work. The project, he said, focuses on highlighting the role of trade unions as key actors in promoting inclusiveness in the labour market.
ILO Country Coordinator Mowafy emphasized that the signing of the agreement reflects a shared vision for advancing decent work, social justice and inclusive social dialogue in Jordan. She noted that the agreement builds on the tangible achievements of the project's first phase and provides a roadmap for future action, drawing on the outcomes of social dialogue sessions and the National Labour Conference.
Mowafy also expressed confidence in the Federation's experience, expertise and partnerships, which position it to continue playing a key role in strengthening social dialogue, defending workers' rights and supporting reforms that make Jordan's labour market more inclusive, equitable and responsive to the needs of women and young people.
Project Manager Shatha Al-Aqayleh presented an overview of the achievements of the project's first phase and highlighted key results across its different objectives and areas of work. She also outlined the workplan, expected outputs and main activities of the second phase.
The project includes a range of activities, including field visits to economic enterprises, training workshops to raise awareness of labour rights, specialized training to strengthen the capacities of the Federation's Women's and Youth Committees, a national conference on international labour standards, and a review of five collective bargaining agreements with recommendations on their responsiveness to gender equality.
This cooperation is implemented under the "Equality at Work" project, funded by the Government of Norway and implemented by the ILO's Decent Work for Women Programme in Jordan.
