Minister of Labor review the cost of living index and stress the protection of domestic labor force

The Minister of Labor Sejaan Azzi held a meeting yesterday with representatives of the General Confederation of Lebanese Workers (CGTL) as well as employers. Azzi noted that the meeting discussed the cost of living index, which is estimated by an increase of 11.05% since 2012 according to the Central Administration of Statistics and ways of dealing with it to help better understand the economic reality with the aim of improving the productivity of economic institutions as well as the livelihoods of workers.
Azzi also noted that the meeting discussed the situation of foreign labor in Lebanon.  He confirmed that all parties support the current policy of the Ministry in preserving Lebanese labor.  According to the Minister, excessive use of foreign labor will affect the social fabric in Lebanon and will increase social and security problems.  Azzi addressed employers in Lebanon by saying that recruiting Lebanese workers on good wages will preserve the Lebanese economy and commerce whereas foreign labor tends to save money in order to transfer to their home countries (!!!)

Source: Al-Akhbar 6 August 2014