Trade union leader warns of war-related layoffs

The head of the General Confederation of Lebanese Workers, Beshara Asmar, warned on Wednesday against layoffs that could occur due to the war in the country, during a meeting with caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati. Asmar also called for preventing the exploitation of displaced people, who are facing rising prices.

"There are a million displaced people and this has led to the closure of businesses and hit economic activities in Lebanese regions. Even areas where there are no strikes have been affected commercially, touristically and economically. The situation must be monitored in order to avoid layoffs. We believe that some companies that were bombed or stopped working are moving towards paying partial salaries," Asmar said, in remarks reported by the state-run National News Agency (NNA). He also called on employees and workers "to communicate with the union in case a problem arises."

The union president also mentioned the increase in food prices and rents that displaced people have to pay.

"The prime minister promised that the control bodies will be active during this period," he said.

Mikati also met with the caretaker Ministers of Health, Firas Abiad, and of the Environment, Nasser Yassine, and the former minister Bahia Hariri at the Grand Serail, with whom he reviewed the measures put in place by the government with regard to the displaced.

This article originally appeared in French in L'Orient-Le Jour.