Labor Minister Haidar Confirms Advanced Stage of New Labor Law Draft

Labor Minister Mohammed Haidar dismissed reports suggesting that ministers from the political duo intend to withdraw from the government, describing such claims as baseless and stating that the matter is not currently under consideration. He explained that every discussion within the Council of Ministers, whether concerning major or minor issues, is often followed by media speculation about the withdrawal of these ministers. Nevertheless, he affirmed that the ministers continue their work within the government according to proper procedures, with only necessary information being disclosed publicly while some discussions remain internal.

Haidar noted ongoing political communications and efforts aimed at overcoming the current deadlock, indicating that results will be announced once they become clear. He expressed hope that the upcoming phase would bring positive developments.

Regarding his transition from the field of nuclear medicine to the Ministry of Labor, Haidar told the program "Saray Dialogues" with colleague Nada Saliba on "Television Lebanon" that there is no direct connection between the two fields. He explained that nuclear medicine focuses on diagnosing and treating diseases, whereas the Ministry of Labor deals with various aspects of daily life. Upon assuming his ministerial role, he was surprised by the volume of files under the ministry’s jurisdiction, which extend beyond regulating foreign labor and job creation to encompass multiple facets of citizens’ lives.

He emphasized that the current labor law is very outdated and that there is consensus on the need for its modernization. The ministry is actively working on this, especially since its responsibilities have expanded over recent years to include regulating several sectors and files.

Haidar confirmed that he continues to practice medicine daily at the hospital, where he follows cancer patients and various treatment cases, supervising medical test interpretations. He highlighted Lebanon’s advanced position in nuclear medicine, noting that the specialty began in the 1970s and that Lebanon was among the first Arab countries to adopt PET Scan technology.

He described nuclear medicine as a medical specialty that diagnoses and treats diseases using radioactive materials in precise and safe doses. It is applied in diagnosing heart diseases, thyroid conditions, bone diseases, and cancer through PET Scan, as well as certain brain disorders. Haidar revealed the introduction of a new technology for diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease, which will be announced soon at a meeting of the American university specializing in the field, following Lebanon’s acquisition of a license to develop and provide the drug throughout the Middle East and North Africa in cooperation with the American manufacturer.

Additionally, he announced plans to introduce a new drug for diagnosing heart diseases, particularly cases of poor blood circulation where arterial blockages may not be evident. He noted that nuclear medicine has been used in treatment for years, beginning with thyroid cancer and expanding to other cancers, especially advanced prostate cancer. Lebanon was among the first in the region to adopt this treatment since 2015, although official approval in the United States was only granted in 2022. Efforts continue to introduce new treatments in this field.

On balancing his ministerial duties with his medical work, Haidar said his family bears the burden of his frequent absences and constant engagement. He strives to be present at key moments despite limited available time. He has two daughters and a son; the eldest daughter is studying psychology as a preparatory path to medicine, while the second daughter will start engineering studies. Both attend the American University of Beirut. His son is eleven years old and still in school.

Concerning the labor law, Haidar announced that the ministry has reached very advanced stages in preparing a new draft. He praised the ministry’s team for completing the initial version of the draft in cooperation with social partners, the International Labour Organization, and relevant entities. This draft addresses most issues related to protecting workers’ rights, regulating institutions, and foreign labor.

He explained that the draft includes substantial amendments, incorporating additional changes based on feedback from the International Labour Organization. Some existing laws prevented modifications to certain provisions. Haidar stressed that the draft transforms the labor law from an outdated format into a modern law that aligns with developments, incorporates the concept of flexible work while preserving workers’ rights, enhances social protection, and regulates retirement insurance and end-of-service indemnities. He considers this a qualitative leap in organizing the labor market.

Regulation of Labor Unions and Minimum Wage

Regarding labor unions, Haidar revealed that about two months after assuming his role, a decision was issued requiring all unions to regularize their status, prove their active existence, and hold elections within a three-month period. He noted that many unions complied, while others did not, particularly following the outbreak of war. The ministry plans to take measures against inactive unions once the situation stabilizes, considering any union failing to regularize its status or demonstrate actual activity as non-existent in the ministry’s view. The new labor law also regulates union operations, establishment conditions, and work mechanisms.

On the subject of the minimum wage, Haidar stated that the ministry reorganized the work of the indicator committee, establishing bi-monthly meetings to review the minimum wage, social benefits, school grants, and labor market conditions. He noted that raising the minimum wage to 28 million Lebanese pounds was accompanied by a commitment to revisit the issue by the end of the year. However, the war disrupted these plans as economic activity declined and many institutions ceased operations. The priority shifted to preserving jobs and ensuring workers receive their basic salaries rather than increasing the minimum wage. Cooperation among the General Labor Union, employers, and the Ministry of Labor helped reduce job losses. Haidar announced that reviewing the minimum wage and social benefits will be a top priority once security and economic conditions improve.

School Grants and Social Protection Initiatives

Regarding school grants, Haidar announced that the ministry approved them last week, with the decree expected to be published in the Official Gazette next week to enable payments to commence. He explained that grants will be allocated starting in December annually instead of at the end of the academic year, allowing families to benefit at an appropriate time. The grants amount to approximately 36 million Lebanese pounds per child within a specified limit. While this contribution assists families, it does not cover all expenses. An agreement was reached with the General Labor Union and employers to reconsider the grant amounts in December based on economic conditions and funding capabilities.

Haidar emphasized that any increase in the minimum wage or social assistance must first consider the economic sectors’ capacity to bear the costs. He extended his regards to Lebanese workers who demonstrated considerable resilience during and after the war, continuing to work and contribute to keeping the economy functioning, describing them as vital to the country’s endurance during this period.

Child Labor Committee and Social Security Fund Updates

The minister stated that the ministry is working to reactivate the National Committee to Combat Child Labor, established in 2017. Upon taking office, he found that the committee had not been meeting, prompting the organization of monthly meetings in coordination with the International Labour Organization and relevant parties. He clarified that child protection and social security fall under the Ministry of Social Affairs, but this issue requires inter-ministerial cooperation. The committee includes representatives from the Ministries of Social Affairs, Education, security sectors, and several NGOs.

Haidar pointed out that the war caused the suspension of committee meetings after the ministry requested the International Labour Organization’s assistance in updating data, which dated back to before 2022. The conflict created a new reality involving the displacement of many children, with the primary concern becoming their survival amid absent safeguards under difficult conditions. Additionally, the ministry’s building in the Chiyah–Ain Al-Rummaneh area was damaged by nearby shelling, forcing relocation to another headquarters to continue serving citizens. He assured that once the ministry returns to its main building, meetings will intensify to update data and activate mechanisms to combat and reduce child labor.

On the National Social Security Fund, Haidar commended the efforts of its administration and technical committee. About a year and two months ago, there were claims that the fund had collapsed and could not be revived, with calls to shift towards the private sector. However, the ministry insisted that social security remains the fundamental protection for workers.

He explained that within less than a year, the fund resumed covering medical treatments and medications under a new system aimed at fairness. Previously, beneficiaries reimbursed 80 percent of the cost of any medication purchased, which effectively subsidized expensive medicines for those who could afford them. The new system bases coverage on the average service price, with social security covering 80 percent of the approved drug price, while beneficiaries pay the difference if they choose a more expensive medication.

The update also extended to laboratory and radiology tests and increased coverage of cardiac stents from about 5 percent to between 80 and 90 percent. It included medical procedures not previously covered, such as aneurysm treatment by radiology and catheterization, advanced endoscopy operations, and bone marrow transplants, with social security currently covering approximately 50 to 55 percent of approved costs.

Haidar confirmed that hospitals adhere to the new pricing despite some disagreements over certain service prices, which are addressed by a special committee. He urged beneficiaries to report any hospital non-compliance to the social security supervising physician or file complaints with social security departments, emphasizing that the general director takes necessary action against violators. He added that beneficiaries currently pay about 10 percent of the cost difference in most cases, except for some specific medical implants with slightly higher costs.

End-of-Service and Retirement Reforms

Regarding family allowances and school grants, Haidar noted an increase in family allowances to cover a significant portion of citizens’ needs, alongside the approval of school grants. Concerning end-of-service indemnities, he affirmed their sacred status, acknowledging that their value has eroded alongside pensions. Discussions had reached an advanced stage before the war with employers, the General Labor Union, and relevant ministries. He revealed plans to explore mechanisms for paying these indemnities in installments due to the large sums involved, explaining that the issue is not only technical but also social, as many lost their indemnities in banks or saw their value evaporate. Haidar assured that solutions will be announced once conditions stabilize.

On retirement, he explained that the primary goal is to implement the Social Protection and Retirement Law issued in 2024. The ministry is in the final stages of appointing a new social security board with ten members instead of twenty-six, preparing for the issuance of implementing decrees. The law will convert end-of-service indemnities into lifelong retirement pensions, mandatory for those under 49 years old and optional for those older, ensuring citizens receive fixed income and continuous health coverage after age 64. He expects the transition from the indemnity system to retirement to be completed within 10 to 12 months.

Regarding raising the retirement age, Haidar stated that the proposal is to increase it from 64 to 66 years, not to 67 or 68 as rumored, aiming to benefit from experienced workers. The proposal initially received preliminary agreement from economic bodies and the General Labor Union but was temporarily postponed due to the war, with plans to revisit it later.