AMMAN — The Lower House on Wednesday continued its deliberations over the draft amendments to the 2024 Labour Law, passing an article that bans the termination of employees during pregnancy. 

 

During a session chaired by Speaker Ahmad Safadi, the lawmakers approved articles 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8, with discussions focusing on key protections for workers and updates to employment practices, according to the Jordan News Agency, Petra.

 

Labour Minister Khaled Bakkar reassured lawmakers that dispute over the rights of pregnant workers had been resolved. 

 

It is now illegal to dismiss a pregnant woman under any circumstances, he confirmed, stressing that the law is designed to protect women during pregnancy and maternity leave.

 

Bakkar also said that the amendments to Article 35 distinguish between probationary and permanent employees, noting employers can dismiss probationary workers under the law but only for "just reasons."

 

The lawmakers also agreed to strengthen the protection of pregnant women under Article 6 by amending paragraph A of Article 27, which prohibits the dismissal of pregnant women at any stage of pregnancy or maternity leave.

 

Other amendments tighten the rules on absenteeism, reducing the number of days of unjustified absence allowed in a year from 20 to 10. The revision also includes a clause on sexual harassment, making it clear that such violations are subject to legal sanctions.

 

Lawmakers also approved a provision allowing employers to reduce their workforce by up to 5 per cent for economic or technical reasons, deviating from the Labour Panel's recommendation of a 15 per cent reduction.

 

During the session, lawmakers raised concerns about several pressing issues affecting citizens, including the high cost of electricity and student loans. 

 

Several lawmakers called on the government to expand support for university students by increasing the number of beneficiaries of the student loan and grant programmes

 

In previous sessions, the Chamber had already approved three provisions in the 18-article draft law. The proposed amendments aim to align the labour law with the social security law, extend protection to workers not covered by social security and harmonise the treatment of occupational accidents. 

 

It also seeks to regulate the use of foreign labour and clarify procedures for workers who leave their jobs in violation of the law.