Amman: Jordan's General Trade Union of Workers in Air Transportation and Tourism (GUATT) and Airport International Group (AIG) on Wednesday signed a collective bargaining agreement at the Ministry of Labor headquarters to improve the job benefits of 470 employees at the AIG facilities.
According to Jordan News Agency, Minister of Labor Dr. Khaled Bakkar, who sponsored the signing ceremony, said the ministry is "committed" to following up the workers' affairs in the private sector and communicating with all stakeholders involved in the production process to help resolve collective labor disputes.
Bakkar affirmed the ministry is working to oversee resolution of labor disputes and contribute to enhancing job stability and security for employees in Jordan's private sector institutions. He noted this effort would ensure continuity of these institutions' operations by building "positive" working relationships among the three parties of production (government, employers, and workers), providing a "favorable" workplace and overseeing collective bargaining agreements to ensure the two parties' interests are met.
Bakkar stated the ministry encourages direct negotiations and cooperation between employers and unions, which positively impacts the work environment, worker job security and all economic and social aspects. He said this process strengthens employees' trust in their institutions and management to make "greater productivity and achievement."
In turn, GUATT Head, Yousef Qanab, said improving employee benefits and the work environment "significantly" contributes to increasing productivity, which would also serve Airport International Group. He commended the AIG's management for its cooperation and responsiveness to the union's demands, praising the Ministry of Labor's oversight of the mutual dialogue.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, AIG CEO, Nicolas Deville, stated the collective agreement was due to joint cooperation, facilitated by the Ministry of Labor. He added that the step "positively" impacts employees by improving their benefits, affirming the AIG's management appreciation for its employees and their role as the foundation of the production process.