CrossFireArabia
The General Federation of Palestinian Trade Unions (GFPTU) is cancelling all events commemorating 1 May International Workers’ Day, due to the difficult circumstances facing the Palestinian working class, it stated Thursday.
The number of unemployed Palestinians has reached approximately 550,000, with unprecedented unemployment rates reaching 85% in the Gaza Strip and 38% in the West Bank, the Federation added according to Qudspress.
More than 250,000 workers were prevented from accessing their workplace in the 1948 territories since October 7, 2023, and have been without income for more than 30 months., the GFPTU continued. This led to the depletion of their savings and is forcing them to sell their belongings to meet their families’ needs.
About 50 workers were killed and more than 38,000 arrested during the same period while the Federation holds the Israeli government responsible for conditions of Palestinian workers and demanding they be compensated, their rights restored, and be returned to their jobs.
The GFPTU noted that they are filed complaints with the International Labour Organization (ILO), but have yet to receive a response, indicating about 90% of workers lack social protection systems, amidst declining job opportunities, the expansion of the informal economy, and rising living costs.
