Minimum Rate for Wages, Supporting Women Working in Irregular Jobs

For the radio program "Through Women's Eyes", Mr. Mahmoud Ziyade, the unionist and member of the administrative board of the Federation of Independent Unions, called upon the Palestinian government to work harder to set a minimum rate for wages, hinting that the job owners do not apply the Palestinian law of labor, but the law of the market which deprives the workers from their rights. These behaviors make workers vulnerable to violations and the accompanied risks which could put their lives and the lives of their families in danger. Mr. Ziyade added that it is unreasonable for a worker to receive only 300 NIS a month.

Ziyade stated: "it is unfortunate that no one hears the demands of these workers" as he warns from neglecting the law of labor which guarantees these workers' rights. What makes the situation worse is the weak role and supervision by the Ministry of Labor, of the organizations, the work places and the work environments, Mrs. Ziyade said.

Ziyade demanded an end to the staling, and the justifications for not having specialized labor courts, taking into consideration the establishment of a customs' court. He emphasized the need to have a strong collective political well, to achieve this objective. He also pointed out that the unemployment rates and increasing, especially among graduates, demanding to provide enough job opportunities."

Ziyade added that there is 90% of workers who have irregular jobs, uncovered by the law, explaining that the National Federation of Independent Unions addressed the Ministry of Labor with a memorandum last month, demanding the issuance of a minimum rate for wages, and the social protection for workers, and it hasn't been answered until this day.

On her part, lawyer Elham ElKharaz, talked about the deteriorating economic conditions, and the escalating living costs, in addition to the low wages, which made Palestinian women vulnerable to oppression and exploitation with the absence of social protection. Al Kharaz acknowledged the development of the Palestinian Judiciary system, which now resolves the work disputes between the job owners and the workers.