RAMALLAH (Palestine): On the occasion of International Workers’ Day, the Secretary-General of the Palestinian General Federation of Trade Unions (PGFTU), Shaher Saad, stated that tens of thousands of Palestinian workers have been deprived of their wages for the past 17 months, in full view of the entire world.
According to the Palestine News and Information Agency (WAFA), Saad explained that unemployment has surged dramatically across Palestinian society, with a staggering 507,000 people currently jobless.
In his statement on Wednesday, Saad reported that thousands of workers have been detained, subjected to abuse, torture and enforced disappearance, in addition to facing fines imposed by the Israeli military – all for no reason other than their pursuit of a livelihood, particularly since October 7, 2023.
He further emphasised another aspect of the suffering faced by Palestinian workers who lost their jobs and livelihoods in Israel.
A large number of workers have been forced to sell personal belongings in order to secure some form of financial relief, he added.
Saad stressed that in every country around the world, workers benefit from social protection and insurance, including social security.
However, he pointed out that 89 per cent of Palestinian workers lack any form of social protection or pension funds.
He underscored that unemployment, poverty and hunger are the defining themes of International Workers’ Day in Palestine this year.
Additionally, he stated that the monthly losses for workers are estimated at USD371.2 million (RM1.60 billion).
— BERNAMA-WAFA
