Ramallah:Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa recently met with Luc Triangle, General Secretary of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), to discuss labor market conditions in Palestine. The discussion focused on employment challenges and the rising unemployment across the West Bank and Gaza Strip, exacerbated by the economic, social, and security impacts of Israeli occupation measures and the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency – WAFA, the meeting took place at the Prime Minister's office in Ramallah and was attended by Minister of Labour Enas Attari, Secretary-General of the Palestinian General Federation of Trade Unions Shaher Saad, and several trade union representatives. Prime Minister Mustafa highlighted the challenges Palestinian workers face, such as occupation restrictions that prevent them from accessing their workplaces.
Prime Minister Mustafa called for increased international pressure to enable workers to return to their jobs, from which they have been barred for three years, and to ensure they receive outstanding financial entitlements. He detailed the government's efforts to create new employment opportunities and enhance workers' skills to meet the evolving demands of the labor market, emphasizing the importance of technological advancements and digital transformation in improving efficiency and public services.
He also underscored the need for investment in human capital, the strengthening of partnerships with international institutions and trade unions, and support for government initiatives to combat unemployment, safeguard workers' rights, and promote economic development.
Luc Triangle, representing ITUC, expressed the Confederation's support for Palestine in international forums and its commitment to defending Palestinian workers' rights. He emphasized the importance of promoting decent working conditions and enhancing cooperation on mutual concerns.