AMMAN — The General Federation of Jordanian Trade Unions (GFJTU), in cooperation with the International Labour Organisation (ILO), on Monday launched a three-day workshop aimed at strengthening trade unions’ communication effectively during and after crises. 

 

The workshop, which is organised in partnership with the ILO’s Bureau for Workers’ Activities (ACTRAV), brings together union representatives and experts to develop strategic communication skills, improve media engagement and strengthen advocacy for workers’ right, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

 

According to a GFJTU statement issued on Monday, the training focuses on developing institutional communication strategies that support trade union objectives and improve the delivery of messages to workers, policymakers and the public.

 

GFJTU President Khaled Fanatseh said rapid technological developments, the growing use of artificial intelligence and the spread of misinformation have created new challenges for trade unions, requiring them to modernise their communication practices.

 

He stressed the need to strengthen digital communication capabilities and adopt clear strategies to protect workers’ rights and ensure their concerns are effectively represented.

 

Fanatseh said the workshop provides an opportunity for union representatives to improve their skills in digital communication, media campaign management and message development, helping trade unions communicate workers’ demands more effectively.

 

Mustapha Said, the ILO Bureau for Workers’ Activities’ official for the Arab region, emphasised the importance of continued cooperation with the federation to strengthen trade unions’ communication and media capabilities.

 

He said effective communication is essential to trade union work, noting that messages should primarily address workers and their concerns while also reaching other relevant stakeholders.

 

Said added that well-designed communication strategies can help promote social and economic stability, advance social justice and support decent work standards.

 

The workshop features sessions on crisis communication, misinformation, artificial intelligence, reputation management and the development of communication plans for emergency situations.

 

Participants will also receive training in writing trade union stories and press releases, communicating during strikes and labour disputes, and responding to cyberattacks.

 

The sessions are being delivered by ILO/ACTRAV Communications Officer Mamadou Souare, GFJTU adviser Nizam Qahoush, journalist Abdullah Rbeihat and technology expert Qusai Shaheen.