Geneva, June 9 (SANA) President of the General Federation of Trade Unions (GFTU) Abdul Alim Al-Bakur affirmed that Syrian workers constitute a fundamental pillar in the country’s recovery and reconstruction efforts, as Syria participated in the 114th session of the International Labour Conference in Geneva.
Syria, represented by the General Federation of Trade Unions, joined representatives of governments, employers and workers from 187 member states of the International Labour Organization (ILO) at the conference, which opened last Monday and continues through June 12 in Switzerland.
Addressing the conference on Monday, Al-Bakur said Syria has taken steps to reinstate dismissed workers, empower working women and develop labor legislation in line with International Labour Organization standards. He called for enhanced technical cooperation, vocational training and support for Syria’s economic and social recovery efforts.
Al-Bakur also expressed appreciation for the role of the International Labour Organization in defending workers’ rights and promoting social justice and sustainable development. He noted that the federation continues to participate actively in updating national legislation, particularly the Civil Service Law, to ensure compatibility with ILO standards while strengthening transparency, equal opportunity and workers’ rights throughout their professional careers.
He said that constructive cooperation between the federation and the government reflects a genuine national commitment to rebuilding state institutions on fairer and more efficient foundations. He added that social dialogue has contributed to tangible improvements in wages, including significant increases in some sectors, demonstrating the effectiveness of cooperation among production stakeholders despite economic challenges.
Al-Bakur called on the International Labour Organization to take into account Syria’s specific circumstances as a country emerging from a complex war by expanding technical cooperation, vocational training programs, labor legislation development and mechanisms for social dialogue as key pillars of equitable development.
On the sidelines of the conference, Al-Bakur and the accompanying delegation met with heads of trade union federations from Bahrain, Libya and Sudan to discuss union training, the empowerment of women and youth, and coordination on issues raised in international labor forums.
The participation of the Syrian delegation underscores efforts to strengthen its presence in regional and international labor forums and contribute to discussions on the challenges facing the world of work, policies aimed at advancing social justice and decent work opportunities, and cooperation with international partners.
The International Labour Conference is the supreme decision-making body of the International Labour Organization and meets annually to discuss labor issues, social justice and international labor standards.
R.A/ABD
