Breanna Fehr. March 17, 2008. 8:40 p.m. Labor Problems
Jordan’s Labour Ministry has planned to remove about 3,000 children from the labor market, which is part of a larger plan to removes around 38,000 from the labor market. Most employed children work in hazardous jobs where they are exposed to physical and sexual abuse. Figures of abuse are hard to determine because many children keep to themselves and don’t reveal the information because of fear or a sense of guilt. The children are not only encouraged to go to school but also to obtain job training. They are also taught about their rights such as legal minimum wage and working hours.
It is not as easy as just taking the children out of the labor market, many families depend on the children’s wages to support their families. Since each child’s story is different the ministry will be working with each child individually. The government is also trying to provide financial alternatives to the families in need.
In early February prices of many items will jump 50-200 percent. As these prices have increased welfare beneficiaries were raised slightly while the minimum wage remains the same. Since this increase it is feared that it will be more difficult to get children out of the labor market as more families will be pushed below the poverty line.
It is very sad that these children are in this market where they are exposed to abuse. I think it is really good that Jordan’s Labour Ministry is trying to remove these children from the labor market. It is important that they acknowledge how much these families are dependant on the children’s incomes. They are not only trying to take them out of the workforce, they are trying to keep them out of it. The best way to do this is to work with the children individually, which is what they are trying to do.
http://www.irinnews.org/Report.aspx?ReportId=77314
2 comments:
I agree with you in working with the childen. It is shameful to know that children are being treated as asdults and the families depend on them working to survive. Working with the children individually, will help gain trust and the one on one they need to start trying to overcome the abuse they have encountered. Why is it that they need chldren to work in these places?? Is there not enough adults available to do the job? It seems that work is needed, so why aren't these people hiring more adults?
I agree as well. It is terrible to see that children are being forced into the work force. It is a great thing that the labour ministry is trying to do something about and make the conditions better.
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