BAU Recognizes Unions for all, Including Women & International Staff
Al-Balqa Applied University (BAU) is committed to respecting employees’ rights, promoting fair working conditions and fostering an inclusive working environment based on dialogue, participation and mutual respect. The University operates within the framework of the Jordanian Constitution and applicable national legislation governing human rights, freedom of association, labour relations and employee representation.
Constitutional and Legal Framework
Chapter Two of the Jordanian Constitution, entitled Rights and Duties of Jordanians, establishes fundamental rights and responsibilities. Article 16 recognizes the right of Jordanians to hold meetings within the limits of the law and to establish societies and political parties, provided that their objectives are lawful, their methods peaceful and their bylaws consistent with the Constitution. It also provides that the establishment of societies and political parties, and the regulation of their resources, shall be governed by law.
In addition, Jordanian Labour Law No. 8 of 1996 and its amendments provide the legal framework governing labour relations and the establishment and regulation of workers’ trade unions, in accordance with applicable legislation. These constitutional and legal provisions provide an important framework for lawful association, collective participation and the protection of rights and responsibilities.
BAU respects this framework and is committed to maintaining an institutional environment that values lawful participation, professional engagement, constructive dialogue and respect for employees’ rights.
How Does BAU Recognize unions for all?
Employee Representation, Freedom of Association, and Collective Engagement:
Al-Balqa Applied University (BAU) supports employee engagement, participation, and workplace well-being through its Employees’ Club, which provides an institutional platform for university employees, including women, to strengthen communication, cooperation, social interaction, and a sense of belonging within the university community. The Club facilitates participation in cultural, intellectual, social, sporting, and artistic activities that promote employee well-being and strengthen relationships among colleagues.
The Club operates under formal institutional instructions that define its objectives, membership requirements, governance structure, and financial arrangements. Its administrative committee and elections provide mechanisms for employee participation and representation in the Club’s affairs. These arrangements support collective engagement, constructive communication, and interaction among employees and contribute to a respectful and supportive working environment.
In addition to engagement and recreational activities, the Club’s instructions provide for welfare-related support for eligible members, including interest-free loans, educational loans for academically outstanding children of members, and financial assistance in cases of death, subject to the applicable requirements. These provisions contribute to employees’ social and financial well-being and reinforce the University’s commitment to supporting its workforce and their families.
BAU’s approach to employee engagement is consistent with the broader principles of freedom of association, inclusive employee representation, and constructive workplace dialogue. These principles encompass all employees, including women and international staff, in accordance with applicable legislation and institutional regulations. Where formally recognized, trade unions and collective bargaining arrangements provide additional mechanisms through which employees can represent their interests and engage with university management. Through its Employees’ Club and related institutional arrangements, BAU promotes employee participation, social solidarity, and a supportive workplace culture. The Club provides evidence of structured employee engagement and representation; however, recognition of trade unions and collective bargaining rights should be supported by separate official documentation confirming the relevant arrangements and their applicability to all employee groups.
Al-Balqa Applied University announced the official results of the Employees’ Club elections at its main campus, with all candidates for the chairperson and administrative committee elected unopposed. Mr. Abdul Rahim Abdullah Arabiyat was elected Chairperson, alongside eight committee members, including two women. The newly elected committee was welcomed by Vice President for Administrative Affairs, Prof. Waddah Al-Adwan, who congratulated them on their colleagues’ confidence and wished them success in representing and serving the University’s employees.
Supporting Political Participation and Engagement in Public Life
BAU demonstrates its commitment to promoting political awareness, civic engagement and participation in Jordan’s public life through documented institutional initiatives and partnerships. In cooperation with the Independent Election Commission, the University has supported programmes aimed at strengthening political and electoral awareness and encouraging youth participation in political parties and democratic processes.
BAU has also organized dialogue sessions and awareness activities on political participation and party engagement across its colleges. In August 2024, the University reaffirmed its commitment to supporting youth and women’s participation in political and party activities. The University has further directed its colleges, through the Deanship of Student Affairs, to encourage students to engage in political activities and national political parties.
These initiatives demonstrate BAU’s institutional support for political awareness, women’s participation and lawful civic engagement. They complement the University’s broader commitment to dialogue, participation and respect for the applicable constitutional and legal framework in Jordan
- Training Academic Women on Party Work – 26 August 2024 : BAU supported the participation of academic women in political and party-related activities through a training programme entitled “Party Work, Election Law, Political Media, and Media Appearance”, implemented in cooperation with the King Abdullah II Fund for Development. The initiative reflects the University’s commitment to enhancing women’s awareness, knowledge and capacity to participate in political and public life.
- Cooperation with the Independent Election Commission – 22 March 2023 : BAU signed a memorandum of understanding with the Independent Election Commission to promote political awareness and education and strengthen youth participation in political parties and electoral processes. The cooperation included initiatives to enhance understanding of democratic principles and equip young people with the knowledge needed to participate in political life and decision-making.
- Seminar on “Youth and Party Life” – 3 January 2024:Al-Balqa Applied University (BAU), through Irbid University College, organized a seminar entitled “The Reality of Youth and Party Life” to highlight the importance of youth participation in political and party activities. The seminar discussed the practice of party-related activities within higher education institutions and was attended by members of the academic and administrative staff and students.
- “To the Parties, Young People!” Interactive Event – 28 May 2024 : BAU’s Deanship of Student Affairs, in cooperation with the King Abdullah II Fund for Development, organized an interactive event entitled “To the Parties, Young People!” The event aimed to raise political awareness, encourage young people to join political parties, and promote participation in elections.