Garment sector showed significant progress in complying with decent work standards, says JCI

The Jordan Chamber of Industry (JCI), in collaboration with the International Labour Organization (ILO) and through the "Better Work Jordan" program, held several seminars and activities aimed at improving working conditions in the garment sector, the recent of which was the "Resilient Threads". JCI board member and representative of the leather and garment sector, Ihab Qadri, said that the garment sector in Jordan has shown significant indicators of compliance with decent work standards and providing an appropriate environment for its workers across various aspects. He noted that annual reports from the Better Work program clearly indicate that, over the past decade, the garment sector has seen improvement in its compliance with different aspects of decent work. Qadri added that the garment sector in Jordan has a unique status that has helped elevate its level of compliance and work environment. Several entities oversee the sector, contributing to improved working conditions in Jordan, including the Minis try of Labour, international organizations, particularly the ILO's Better Work program, the National Center for Human Rights, and regular follow-ups by the Chamber. This has made the sector more attractive to labor, which is evidenced by the significant increase in employment rates within the sector, particularly among Jordanians, over the past decade. The "Resilient Threads" seminar was held to address any challenges related to workers' mental health, especially women and migrant workers. The seminar gathered key stakeholders, including leading investors, the Ministry of Labor (MoL), the Jordan Chamber of Industry (JCI), the Jordan Garments, Accessories and Textiles Exporters' Association (JGATE), and the World Health Organization (WHO), reflecting the sector-wide commitment to tackling this pressing issue. The seminar featured expert speakers from the fields of psychiatry, addiction treatment, and law, shedding light on the complex intersections between mental health, workplace stress, and legal obligatio ns. Participant's discussed actionable practical solutions to create a healthier work environment, addressing the psychological toll on workers and the legal frameworks required to ensure companies protect employee well-being. In addition to the seminar, The Technical Committee for Monitoring and Following Up on the Status of Textile and Garment Factories held its second meeting in collaboration with ILO's Better Work Jordan Program. The meeting focused on addressing key challenges in the garment sector and proposed solutions such as establishment of an early warning system and an emergency fund to protect workers' rights. It also called for enhanced cooperation to support struggling factories and develop performance indicators to ensure compliance with international standards and protect the sector's reputation. Source: Jordan News Agency