Promoting Decent Work and Wage Equality: ILO Panel Discussion at the Damascus Countryside Chamber of Industry

The Damascus Countryside Chamber of Industry hosted a focused discussion session organized by the International Labour Organization (ILO) to promote decent work and pay equity. The meeting was attended by high-ranking officials, including Dr. Mazen Derawan, Chairman of the Federation of Syrian Chambers of Industry, and Eng. Muhammad Ayman Al-Mawlawi, Chairman of the Damascus Countryside Chamber of Industry, along with board members.

Consultant Dr. Rasha Serop presented an overview of ILO Conventions No. 100 and 131, which address minimum wage fixing and equal remuneration for work of equal value. She highlighted ongoing efforts to build a knowledge base aimed at modernizing the current wage system and fostering tripartite social dialogue between the government, employers, and workers.

The participants discussed mechanisms for calculating wages and raises, as well as the impact of social security contributions on production costs and competitiveness. Employers' representatives emphasized that wages are driven by supply, demand, and expertise. They warned that an excessively high minimum wage could negatively impact the private sector and increase unemployment. Additionally, they called for a reduction in social security rates to encourage compliance and boost the institution's income. The session concluded with the announcement of an upcoming survey to collect accurate data on wages and their impact across various business sectors

23/4/2026