Tamkeen Launches Campaign To Address Harsh Conditions For Textile Workers In Jordan
Thousands of workers in Jordan’s textile and garment industry are enduring “harsh” working conditions, characterized by low wages and limited protections, exacerbated by a rise in subcontracting practices. In response to these pressing issues, the Jordanian non-profit organization Tamkeen is set to launch a campaign aimed at raising awareness about the impact of subcontracting networks on workers in factories and small workshops throughout the kingdom.
The upcoming campaign will focus on the working environments in micro-, small-, and medium-sized sewing workshops, with Tamkeen planning to provide actionable recommendations for improving labour standards in the sector. The textile and garment industry is one of Jordan’s largest economic sectors, employing tens of thousands of individuals.
Current data indicates that approximately 77,730 people work within development zones, comprised of 27% Jordanian nationals and 73% migrant workers, primarily women from South and East Asia. While specific statistics for small workshops remain elusive, estimates suggest around 2,000 workshops operate across the nation, employing approximately 8,000 workers who often face difficult conditions, including long hours, inadequate wages and minimal social protections.
“Every worker deserves a safe and fair workplace,” stated Tamkeen, emphasizing the need for improved labour conditions.
Many workers are employed in factories operating under subcontracting arrangements, where investigations have revealed that contracts often lack clarity and transparency. This ambiguity creates financial burdens for small and medium-sized factories, leading to delays in wage payments for workers.
Linda Kalash, director of Tamkeen, underscored the importance of strengthening legal protections for workers and reassessing their working conditions to safeguard their basic rights, particularly in the garment and textile sectors. She also called for the development of mechanisms to support small and medium-sized factories and enhance their productivity, which would ultimately benefit their workforce.
