Khaberni - The president of the General Union of Workers' Unions of Jordan, Khaled Al-Fanatseh, announced on Monday his rejection of the idea of increasing public sector holidays to three days, emphasizing that this decision is not feasible for the private sector, considering that labor law requires employees to work 48 hours a week, including Saturday, which is the current holiday.
Al-Fanatseh stated in televised statements for “Al Mamlaka” TV that the General Union of Workers' Unions of Jordan supports work and production, and that increasing the working hours by an hour or two would not have a positive impact on productivity. However, for the public sector, when its transactions are automated digitally and electronically, there might be room for the holiday, but "we do not support it."
Al-Fanatseh explained that the economic impact of the idea of increasing the number of holidays could be mixed, as it might improve the comfort of government employees and reduce fatigue, but he emphasized that "it cannot be said that it achieves physical comfort for the public sector employee."
Al-Fanatseh affirmed that Jordan is a country of production, and that working according to an eight-hour system is the standard, noting that the General Union of Workers' Unions joins its voice to the voice of the industrial sector, pointing out that the industry cannot stop or advance with an increase in working hours. Also, increasing the number of holidays, especially on Thursdays, typically leads to "early departures by employees or half-day work," and this will not reflect positively on either production or industry in Jordan.
Al-Fanatseh pointed out that the Constitution equalizes citizens in duties and rights, asserting that "it is not permissible to grant the public sector three days off while the private sector works 48 hours, and that any decision must be fair and take into consideration the work hours between the public and private sectors."
