Amman, Sep. 15 (Petra) – Minister of Labor Khaled Bakkar on Monday met Jacob McGee, an official at the US State Department’s Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor, and US Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Peter Shih to discuss strengthening cooperation in labor affairs within the framework of the strategic partnership between Jordan and the United States.

According to a ministry statement, the meeting also reviewed regional developments and underscored the need to intensify international efforts to achieve security and stability.

Bakkar outlined the ministry’s initiatives to raise awareness of labor rights, enhance labor-market oversight, and ensure a safe and fair work environment. He detailed measures to combat child labor, promote women’s economic participation, and apply labor law equally to Jordanians and non-Jordanians.

He said the ministry’s inspection teams document procedures on audio and video to guarantee transparency and worker protection, stressing adherence to occupational safety standards and the prevention of human trafficking. He also highlighted the Better Work Program with the International Labor Organization and the "Hemaya" multilingual platform, which will expand to 10 languages by year’s end to enable workers to submit complaints.

The minister added that the ministry is working with employers and labor unions through the Tripartite Committee for Labor Affairs to address sector challenges and is establishing a labor market information system to support evidence-based policymaking via the Jordanian Labor Observatory.

He praised the preferential trade agreements with the United States, particularly in garment, textile, and jewelry exports.

McGee emphasized Washington’s commitment to continued cooperation, noting his visits to Jordanian garment factories to observe inspection and compliance efforts.

The visiting delegation toured the ministry’s Central Inspection Directorate and received a briefing on labor-market oversight and occupational safety.

//Petra// AJ

15/09/2025 21:34:22