ILO assists Palestinians to finalize first social security law for private sector workers and their family members

Press release | 14 October 2015

RAMALLAH (ILO News) The International Labour Organization is helping the Palestinian Authority finalize the first draft of the Palestinian social security law, which covers a comprehensive scheme for all private sector workers and their family members during a tripartite National Social Security Committee meeting on Wednesday in Ramallah.

 

“After three years of ILO-supported  deliberations, we have reached the final moments of reaching a deal on this much-needed law amongst representatives of the government as well as workers and employers organizations,” said ILO Senior Social Security Specialist for the Arab States Ursula Kulke.

 

Kulke added that the proposed social security scheme will cover all private sector workers and their family members as a means for providing income security and social protection benefits while combating poverty and social exclusion.

 

Once the tripartite Committee approves the draft law, it will be submitted to the Council of Ministers for adoption by the end of 2015, an independent tripartite national security institution to administer the scheme’s implementation will be established.

 

The ILO conducted an actuarial evaluation to assess the scheme’s long-term financial sustainability by having workers and employers make contributions to the independent fund that will be created.

 

The scheme, built up in accordance with ILO standards, worldwide agreed social security principles and international good practice, covers old age, employment injury benefits, disability as well as survivors’ pension and funeral grants.  It also covers maternity benefits which the newly established Social Security Fund would pay instead of the employer; hence further encouraging the employment of women. .

 

“When adopted, this social security law will be a major breakthrough and national achievement in Palestine particularly helping workers but also the Palestinian people in general,” explained Kulke. “This tremendously improves social protection and is a definite economic stabilizer,” she added.