In March 2025, an employee of a major Jordanian state water company was fired in retaliation for his involvement in organizing labour activities. The employee, a board member of the General Trade Union of Workers in Food Industries, was attempting to arrange a meeting between union representatives and the company’s management to discuss workers’ demands. After the company rejected the meeting, they terminated the employee in early April 2025. This action violated Jordanian Labour Law, specifically Article (108), which prohibits retaliation against union representatives, as well as ILO Convention No. (98), which protects workers from dismissal due to union activities. The incident highlights growing concerns about labour rights and the potential for a chilling effect on union activism in Jordan, particularly for recognized unions. While the event has not yet escalated significantly, it signals potential threats to the enabling environment for labour activism, warranting close monitoring for future developments.
