The General Federation of Trade Unions held a joint press conference with the Arab Labor Organization (ALO) to mark Syria’s return to the organization after a 15-year hiatus and to outline next steps for developing labor policies. The conference was attended by Federation President Fawaz al-Ahmad and ALO Director-General Fayez Ali al-Mutairi, and focused on labor inspection, occupational health and safety, and combating child labor.
A New Phase of Regional Labor Integration
Mutairi described Syria’s return to the ALO as a new beginning for rebuilding labor policies and strengthening tripartite cooperation between governments, workers, and employers. He stressed renewed engagement would help stabilize the labor market and promote decent working conditions.
Ahmad emphasized that Syria’s participation in the 103rd session of the ALO Board of Directors represents an important step toward reintegration into the Arab labor system. He noted that the move restores Syria’s role in shaping regional labor and social development policies and reflects confidence in the Syrian trade union movement as a capable partner in improving workers’ conditions nationwide.
Support for Labor Sector Development
Mutairi affirmed that the ALO is mobilizing its full capabilities to support Syria’s labor sector. He announced that the Institute for Occupational Health and Safety in Damascus will reopen shortly after Ramadan, serving as a hub for comprehensive training programs. He also confirmed that implementation has already begun on agreements signed with the General Federation of Trade Unions to protect workers’ rights and improve working conditions.
First Major Training Workshop Since 2009
As part of this renewed cooperation, the General Federation of Trade Unions organized a training workshop on labor inspection, occupational health and safety, and child protection, in coordination with the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor and with ALO support. The workshop, the first of its kind since 2009, aims to strengthen the technical and institutional capacity of labor inspectors and improve workplace standards.
The Minister of Social Affairs and Labor highlighted that current priorities include expanding vocational training aligned with labor market needs, supporting small and medium enterprises, and reinforcing dialogue between employers and workers.
Updating Labor Legislation
Ahmad revealed that work is underway to update Syrian labor legislation in line with Arab and international standards, with the active participation of the trade union federation. He stressed that the amendments aim to address workers’ concerns comprehensively and modernize the legal framework governing labor relations.
He concluded that the workshop represents more than a training activity, describing it as a starting point for rebuilding a professional, law-based labor inspection system through partnership with the ALO and all relevant stakeholders.
