200,000 PALESTINIAN LABORERS UNEMPLOYED IN GAZA

Gaza, 9 Rajab 1436/28 April 2015 (MINA) – The Palestinian unity government has not recruited any of the unemployed in Gaza Strip within the temporary employment program since it was formed last June, the head of the Palestinian Labor Union Sami al-Amsi said.

Al-Amsi pointed to the increased number of the unemployed laborers estimated at 200,000, The Palestinian Information Center (PIC) quoted by Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA) as reporting.

Amsi said, in a statement on Monday, “the current stage is the worst ever”, noting that the previous government in Gaza was employing 5000 laborers monthly under the temporary employment program which contributed to alleviating the workers’ harsh living conditions.

He pointed out that the unity government has cancelled the temporary employment and the professional training programs which obstructed the role of the Ministry of Labor in Gaza.

Referring to the World Labor Day, Amsi said “the First of May coincides with record numbers of unemployment in Gaza amid tightening of the siege, the closure of crossings and banning the entry of raw materials especially the metal equipment. This has led to the hampering work in 1200 factories and workshops in addition to layoffs of thousands of workers”.

The numbers of the unemployed laborers in Gaza reached 200,000 which increased the unemployment percentage to 40% and poverty to 60%, he said.   (T/P011/R03)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)