Director of the Arab Labour Organization: Gaza Ceasefire Must Ensure Workers' Return to Their Jobs
Director of the Arab Labour Organization reaffirms support for Palestinian workers' rights and calls for strengthening social dialogue.
Translated by Qiyas from الجريدة — Original source
Al-Mutairi, in a speech delivered during the opening of the 52nd session of the Arab Labour Conference, stated that the organization reaffirms its firm and supportive stance toward the Palestinian cause and continues to defend the rights of Palestinian workers and people at regional and international forums.
He added that events in Gaza continue to document the rising number of casualties, ongoing displacement, damage to infrastructure and essential services, and the difficulty of accessing humanitarian needs in the Gaza Strip.
He pointed to the situation in the West Bank, noting that it is no less harsh, given restrictions on movement, the escalation of settler violence, and the continuation of demolition and settlement expansion activities, which are narrowing livelihoods and employment opportunities.
On Arab economic and social matters, Al-Mutairi said that the organization’s report for this year, titled “Sustainable Economic Growth: Toward Inclusive and Equitable Social Development in Arab Countries,” provides an analytical reading of the relationship between economic growth and social justice, and proposes practical pathways to translate growth gains into tangible realities.
Al-Mutairi highlighted the qualitative leaps the organization has witnessed in recent years in terms of development, modernization, regional and international presence, diversity of programs and activities, and responsiveness to the needs of production partners and the rapid changes in the world of work.
He said the organization has addressed new issues driven by the changing world of work, including digital transformation, artificial intelligence, emerging economies, and new skills, while maintaining its role as an Arab platform for social dialogue among the three production partners and as a model for Arab coordination and cooperation.
He considered that the progress and initiatives achieved in recent years were the fruit of tripartite partnership between governments, employers, and workers, commending the support and confidence the organization has received from Arab production partners.
Al-Mutairi also emphasized the importance of social dialogue in light of the crises affecting some Arab countries and the repercussions of regional wars that have extended to energy, transport, food sectors, supply chains, and labor markets.
He clarified that social dialogue becomes even more crucial during times of crisis to seek solutions that protect jobs and workers’ rights, help enterprises withstand shocks, and preserve governments’ capacity to fulfill their responsibilities.
The 52nd session of the Arab Labour Conference discusses labor, employment, and development issues in Arab countries, as well as the economic and social challenges facing labor markets and ways to enhance social dialogue and tripartite partnership among production partners.
