Labor Sector Continuous Suffering under the Siege, 17 Dec.2000

Palestinian and international sources reported that the unemployment rate in the OPTs has increased dramatically.
More than 50% of the Palestinian labor force face unemployed within a year.
Face the Public invited the Ministry of Labor and the Laborers, Union to a meeting with the workers, community in Jabalia.
attended by 164 persons Key guests Kamal al-Shrafi, PLC member, North Gaza District.
Said al-Mudalal, General Director of Personnel, Ministry of Labor.
Rasim al-Baiari, Head of the Laborers, Union, Gaza Strip.
Summary of issues raised by the public The audience, the majority of whom were workers who lost their jobs in Israel, complained about the hard situation they were facing.
They also raised questions relevant to the criteria with which lists of names of those intended to receive emergency financial support are made.
They claimed that the amount of money intended for each worker was more than the amount that had been actually given ($US 150).
They requested to establish a Labor Social Solidarity Fund.
Summary of answers given by the guest speakers The speakers clarified how they have prepared lists of names of the workers who lost their jobs.
They stated that lack of awareness among the Palestinian people had hurt the process of distributing the financial assistance as many workers and students applied for financial aid.
They also stated that only a very small portion of the money sent by Arab states intended to support Palestinian labors has actually been received.
They clarified that workers need to give monthly contributions so that funds will be available for the Labor Social Solidarity Fund.