Workers, conditions have worsened significantly since December 2000 when the Center began looking closely at this problem.
The closure and the deteriorating economic situation in the OPTs left large numbers of workers unemployed.
This has increased the poverty rate in the OPTs affecting the stability of the Palestinian community.
Face the Public has now addressed this issue on two occasions.
attended by 27 persons Guest speakers Mr.
Jalal al-Musadar, PLC Budget Committee Member.
Mr.
Sa,id al-Mudalal, Director of Employment Department in the Ministry of Labor.
Summary of issues raised by the public Workers have been the hardest hit group in Palestinian society since the beginning of the Al-Aqsa Intifada.
Many ostensibly lost their jobs for a year, but yet remain unemployed.
The PA did not take suitable steps to cope with the problem and it is obvious that emergency plans are wanting.
There must be urgent financial assistance for workers as soon as possible.
The Laborers, Union and several other NGOs carried out random efforts to help laborers.
They must cooperate to guarantee just distribution of relief assistance.
The problem can be settled if the PA uses the available resources effectively.
The PA's strategy should be preventive; to avoid similar problems in the future by creating jobs inside the OPTs.
Many Palestinian employers cut laborers, salaries, though they benefit from assistance programs.
Summary of answers given by the guest speakers Guests previewed the hardship conditions workers experience, especially those who lost their jobs inside the Green-line/Israel.
They said that about 57% of Palestinians were unemployed and creating jobs for them is beyond the PA's limited ability.
They admitted that the PA has not developed appropriate plans to face the situation, and that it requires a greater coordination of efforts.
The relief assistance workers receive so far is trivial and does not constitute a solution to their problem.
The PA is responsible for developing an effective strategy to employ Palestinians, especially as the problem is expected to last for a long time.
The PLC member said that his committee discussed the problem and sent its recommendations to the Ministry of Finance.