DAMASCUS, 30 Nov (SANA)The General Federation of Trade Unions in Syria opened its 28th General Conference on Sunday in Damascus, the federation’s first national gathering after liberation, held under the slogan “A Legacy of Struggle… A Pledge of Giving.” The one-day meeting convened at the federation’s headquarters and began with a presentation on the history of the federation and its role in supporting the working class through decades of challenges.
Addressing the opening session, federation head Fawaz al-Ahmad said the conference comes at a nationally significant moment to review achievements and renew the commitment between the federation and Syrian workers. He noted that the working class has remained a pillar of national resilience and an essential partner in reconstruction.
Al-Ahmad said the federation has worked to revitalize union life, reactivate occupational health and safety programs, and strengthen the workers’ health system by linking routine examinations to workplace requirements. He added that the federation continues efforts to incorporate relevant international labor agreements into national legislation in ways that protect workers’ lives and rights while remaining consistent with national sovereignty.
He pointed to cooperation with the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor, along with industry and commerce chambers, which has supported the development of vocational training programs aligned with labor-market needs. He also highlighted the federation’s participation in regional and international labor conferences, saying this engagement has helped convey the voice of Syrian workers to global forums.
Al-Ahmad said the federation had signed cooperation agreements and understandings with unions in several countries in recent months, enabling new leadership roles and exchanges of expertise that have produced practical results. He reaffirmed the federation’s commitment to continue working toward integrating international agreements on occupational safety and health into national legislation in ways that support a modern, fair, and sovereign work environment.
