Workers Union discusses Possibilities of Improving Work Conditions

The general assembly of workers’ union for Kindergartens and private schools held a meeting yesterday at the office of the Palestinian Working Woman Society for Development in Nablus. Many women joined the meeting, which touched upon the union’s future strategies, and accomplishments and the impediments the union faced in the last period. The meeting also discussed the legal demands, and human rights issues that will be addressed in the following year. 

The head of the sub-union in Nablus, Mrs. Dina Jawhri talked about the establishment of the union, and the difficulties the union has come across since 2007, during the first founding conference. Jawhari explained the vision and goals of the union, as well as its work strategy. Ms. Fatima Ahmad, the secretary of the sub-union and the general union talked about the recent developments and accomplishments, in addition to the activities that were conducted by the union for the benefit of the workers in the sector. The union has held multiple meetings with the Ministry of Labor, to discuss the workers’ demands, and improve their working conditions. Ms. Ahmad accentuated the need to push forward the accumulative work and demands, in order to achieve workers’ rights and demands.

Samar Hawash, the coordinator of the Women Empowerment program, spoke about the importance of organizing women in unions, in order to defend their rights and reflect their issues. Civic educator Mayssara Subuh stressed the need to establish a solid grassroots base, in order to defend female workers’ rights from the constant violations. She also stressed on the collective responsibility to support the unions and broaden their membership.

Lawyer Mohammed Abu Erreh, spoke on behalf of the Democracy and Workers' Rights Center, about the Palestinian law of labor, particularly the articles that are in favor of women. He also explored the organizational structure of the unions in the different Palestinian governances.

In the end of the meeting, there was a reflection on the reality of the kindergartens sector, and what it faces from low wages, marginalization, and lack of health insurance. The participants also focused on social protection and agreeing on a minimum wage, as these are primary legal demands for workers. Lobbying and advocacy will continue in the coming period to pressure for decent minimum wages, which correspond to the increasing living costs and poverty.