Last Sunday the Labor Ministry said it will carry out a proper investigation regarding alleged violations of laborers human rights mentioned in a report by the IGLHR , the Institute for Global Labor and Human Rights. A committee has been assigned to look into these allegations and further assess the rights in question. The report mentions a request for the US to suspend the free trade agreement with Jordan until there is a guarantee that protection of guest laborer rights will be in effect. According to the new implementation plan, "Jordan confirms its ongoing commitment to protect internationally recognized labor rights and effectively enforce Jordan's labor laws". Director of the Observatory for Consultation and Training told reporters that the centre has received dozens of complaints from QIZ (Qualifying Industrial Zones) guest workers claiming that their employers have not fully respected their rights or the conditions mentioned in their work contract. Most of these claims specifically are related to working overtime, proper conditions and a healthy and suitable living space.
What is the role of the Observatory for Consultation and Training? Who do they train/ do they hold a lot of authority? It seems here that the issue isn't a huge one, with only a few dozen complaints, yet it's come to the attention of the IGLHR and further a possible suspension of the free trade agreement between Jordan and the U.S. So I wonder how much weight this holds.
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