The International Labour Organization (ILO) and the General Federation of Jordanian Trade Unions (GFJTU) are strengthening cooperation to improve migrant workers’ rights, representation, and access to justice in Jordan.
The two organisations held a three-day strategic workshop in Amman focused on advancing fair recruitment practices, expanding trade union participation, and improving protections for migrant workers across key sectors of the Jordanian economy.
Jordan depends on a large migrant workforce in industries including garment manufacturing, construction, agriculture, services, and domestic work. While migrant workers make important contributions to the country’s economy, many continue to face challenges such as unfair recruitment practices, poor working conditions, difficulties accessing legal support, and limited opportunities to participate in trade union activities.
The workshop supported the GFJTU’s institutional reform efforts by strengthening its ability to organise, represent, and defend the rights of migrant workers. Participants included trade union leaders, representatives from the newly established Migrant Workers Unit, sectoral unions, and the Domestic Workers Committee.
Discussions focused on practical ways to increase migrant workers’ participation in trade unions, improve outreach efforts, build trust, and create opportunities for migrant workers to contribute to decision-making processes. Representatives also explored strategies to expand collective representation regardless of workers’ nationality or migration status.
A key focus of the workshop was addressing the specific challenges faced by women migrant workers, particularly those employed in domestic work. Participants discussed issues related to gender inequality, discrimination, access to protection, and the need for more gender-responsive trade union services and policies.
The final day of the workshop examined ways to improve migrant workers’ access to justice. Representatives from the Ministry of Labour, Jordan Chamber of Industry, civil society organisations, United Nations agencies, trade unions, and the ILO discussed existing labour dispute resolution systems and ways to strengthen support mechanisms.
Participants highlighted the important role of trade unions in helping workers understand their rights, access legal remedies, and receive guidance when facing workplace disputes. Discussions also explored how cooperation between institutions can improve grievance-handling systems and ensure migrant workers receive equal protection under labour laws.
The partnership between the ILO and GFJTU reflects ongoing efforts to promote fair labour practices and strengthen the role of trade unions in protecting migrant workers. By improving representation, access to justice, and workplace protections, the initiative aims to create a more inclusive and equitable labour environment in Jordan.
