Electricity Workers' Union in Lebanon Threatens Strike Over Decree to Transform Institution into a Joint-Stock Company

The Lebanese Electricity Workers and Employees Union held its regular meeting today, discussing an agenda that included a single item concerning the follow-up on the decree project to transform the institution into a company, and the upcoming meeting of the Supreme Council for Privatization.

In a statement, the union noted that the first meeting on the project was negative, due to the insistence on not amending Article 45 of Law No. 462/2002 regarding workers’ and employees’ rights, and the failure to include it in the decree’s provisions in a form ensuring the protection of their rights and acquired benefits.

It emphasized that it has been in contact with all relevant parties, stressing that pushing forward with the decree without amending the law, securing acquired rights, and guaranteeing job continuity through clear legal texts—not vague promises—places it under the responsibility of defending workers’ rights and their benefits.

The union affirmed that if the Supreme Council for Privatization approves the proposed draft without securing rights and benefits and ensuring job continuity, it will proceed with a strike the following day, and a general assembly will be convened to examine the status of all employees at the Lebanese Electricity Authority and their future.