Recognize Labour Rights

BAU recognizes employees’ labour rights for all, Including Women and International Staff

Al-Balqa Applied University (BAU) is committed to recognizing and protecting employees’ labour rights, promoting fair working conditions, and fostering an inclusive working environment based on equality, dignity, dialogue, participation, and mutual respect. The University operates within the framework of the Jordanian Constitution and applicable national legislation governing human rights, labour relations, freedom of association, and employee representation.

BAU recognizes employees’ rights to freedom of association and to organize and join trade unions in accordance with applicable Jordanian legislation. These principles form part of the University’s commitment to ensuring that labour rights are respected without discrimination, including for women and international staff, subject to the applicable legal and regulatory framework.

Through its institutional regulations and employment practices, BAU seeks to promote fair treatment, protect employees’ rights, and support a transparent and respectful working environment in which employees’ interests and concerns can be addressed through appropriate institutional and legal mechanisms.

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. The establishment of societies and political parties and the regulation of their resources are subject to the law.

In addition to that, all employees shall have the right to organise and join Labor unions In accordance to the regulations of the “Jordanian Labour Law No. 8 of 1996”, all Academic Staff are entitled to the freedom of association and create general union for them. The relevant regulations are as follows: Labor Law and its amendments No. 8 of 1996 Page No.190 (“A decision made to classify the occupations and industries whose workers are entitled to establish unions” Article 1: clause 15). BAU recognise unions and Labor rights.

 How Does BAU Recognize unions for all?

BAU is committed to creating a fair, inclusive, and equitable working environment in which all employees are treated with dignity and respect, regardless of gender or nationality. This commitment is reflected in a range of institutional policies and regulations, including the Academic Freedom Policy, Anti-Discrimination Policy, Code of Conduct and Job Ethics, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Strategy. Together, these frameworks support academic freedom, equal treatment, employee participation, and protection against discrimination, contributing to a working environment that respects the rights of academic and administrative staff, including women and international employees.

Recognition of Employee Associations and Representation

BAU’s commitment to employee participation is demonstrated through its Employees’ Club, established in 2013 to strengthen social, cultural, intellectual, sporting, and artistic relationships among university employees and to encourage engagement with similar associations at other Jordanian universities. The Club operates under its governing regulations, and its representatives are elected by employees.

The 2026 Employees’ Club elections provide a practical example of staff representation and participation in the University’s institutional life. The elected administrative committee included two women, demonstrating women’s participation in employee representation and association leadership.

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Through its Employees’ Club, elected staff representation, professional association partnerships, and institutional policies, BAU demonstrates recognition of employees’ freedom of association and supports their participation in collective professional activities. These arrangements form part of the University’s commitment to fair, inclusive, and accountable employment practices.

Engagement with Professional Associations

BAU also facilitates cooperation between its academic and administrative staff and professional organizations, including the Jordan Engineers Association. Examples include the Association’s participation in BAU’s Career Day, cooperation and partnership initiatives, and activities addressing professional development, women’s participation, and the role of associations in the local community. The University permits eligible employees to maintain professional association memberships and participate in relevant activities in accordance with applicable legislation and institutional requirements.

• Regular Coordination Meeting with the Jordan Engineers Association:  Faculty of Engineering maintains regular communication and cooperation with the Jordan Engineers Association branch to strengthen professional engagement, exchange expertise, and discuss matters of mutual interest. These meetings support collaboration between the University and professional bodies, foster links between academic education and engineering practice, and provide opportunities to address professional development and community engagement.
• Cooperation with the Jordan Engineers Association: Discussions between the University President and the Association’s President have focused on expanding the existing memorandum of understanding, organizing specialized engineering conferences and workshops, and aligning engineering curricula and graduate competencies with local, regional, and international labour-market needs. These efforts support the professional development and employment of engineering graduates and strengthen collaboration between academia and professional bodies.
• Cooperation with the Jordan Engineers Association – Balqa Branch: BAU strengthened its cooperation with the Jordan Engineers Association – Balqa Branch through the participation of the Association’s Council in the student club celebration of the IEEE-BAU Center. The event highlighted opportunities for collaboration in training, technical workshops, scientific visits, and professional development.
• The Role of the General Federation of Jordanian Trade Unions in Protecting Workers’ Rights and Empowering Youth in the Labour Market. Ma’an University College hosted a dialogue seminar entitled” The seminar addressed workers’ rights, improving working conditions, and the role of trade unions in preparing young people for employment. It also aimed to raise awareness of labour rights, promote understanding of trade union activities, and strengthen the connection between academic knowledge and practical workplace.
• A Session on Supporting Women and Enhancing Their Role in Associations and The Local Community: The session highlighted the importance of supporting women and strengthening their roles in associations and local communities through knowledge exchange and skills development. Dr. Jihan Al-Zoubi from BAU’s Faculty of Law discussed the contribution of working women to families, society, and sustainable development, while Rawan Barakat, Director of the Raneen Foundation and Chair of the Women’s Committee at the Higher Council for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, emphasized empowering women with disabilities through inclusive policies and expanded opportunities for employment, entrepreneurship, and investment. The session concluded with recommendations to enhance women’s participation in development and strengthen cooperation among relevant stakeholders to achieve inclusive and sustainable development.