Social protection expert calls for raising minimum wage to JD 290

Insurance and social protection expert Musa Al-Subaihi described raising the minimum wage as a key step toward balancing the labor market by redistributing income and GDP.

In his statement, Subaihi urged increasing the minimum wage to at least JD 290.

Subaihi noted that while this adjustment would not fully address the needs of the poor working class, it would provide them with some recognition and fairness, highlighting their role as a major productive segment of society. Additionally, he acknowledged that supporting low-income workers would enhance their productivity.

He outlined several benefits of raising the minimum wage, including narrowing wage gaps, reducing income inequality, boosting spending on basic needs, improving income security, enhancing future pensions, increasing social security revenues, and strengthening investments.

Ahead of the Tripartite Committee on Labor Affairs' decision on the minimum wage, Subaihi emphasized the following points:

1. Labor Law Requirements: Article 52(b) mandates that the committee consider inflation and living costs when reviewing the minimum wage.
2. ILO Guidelines: International Labour Organization Convention No. 131 advises factoring in workers' needs, living costs, social security benefits, economic conditions, productivity, and employment goals.
3. Current Data: Social security records show that 17 percent of insured workers earn the minimum wage, amounting to around 250,000 workers, including 152,000 Jordanians.
4. Wage Statistics: The average wage for workers covered under mandatory social security is approximately JD 580.