Explore workers' rights and legal protections in Palestine
Palestinian Labor Law No. (7) of 2000 governs the termination of employment contracts. This legislation outlines lawful justifications for dismissal, notice periods, and severance pay entitlements.
There are two main categories under which an employer can terminate an employment contract:
The required notice period for termination depends on the type of contract and the reason for dismissal.
Palestinian law mandates severance pay for employees who are dismissed without fault or who resign after a minimum service period.
These are general guidelines. The specific details of termination, notice periods, and severance pay will depend on the individual employment contract and the circumstances surrounding the termination.
Palestinian legislation promotes equal opportunity and prohibits discrimination in the workplace. While a comprehensive anti-discrimination law hasn't been enacted yet, Palestine adheres to several international conventions and has legal provisions that offer protection against discrimination.
Palestinian Basic Law Article 9 safeguards against discrimination based on several characteristics:
Furthermore, Palestine has ratified the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), which protects women from discrimination in various aspects of life, including employment.
If an employee feels discriminated against in the workplace, they can pursue redress through several channels:
Palestinian Labor Law No. (7) of 2000 places certain responsibilities on employers to prevent discrimination:
In Palestine, the Labor Law No. (7) of 2000 sets the minimum standards for working conditions, including work hours, rest periods, and ergonomic considerations.
The standard workweek in Palestine is 48 hours, distributed over six working days. This translates to eight hours per day, excluding breaks. Overtime work is permitted with the employee's consent and requires additional pay at a rate of 125% of regular wages. There are limitations on overtime hours, not exceeding two hours per day and 12 hours per week.
Palestinian law mandates rest periods to prevent fatigue and ensure worker well-being. A minimum uninterrupted rest break of one hour is mandated during the workday. All employees are entitled to a weekly rest period of at least 24 consecutive hours, typically on Friday or Sunday.
While Palestinian law doesn't have extensive provisions on ergonomics, it does emphasize a safe working environment. Employers have a general duty to ensure the workplace is safe and free from health hazards. This can be interpreted to include ergonomic considerations to minimize risks of musculoskeletal disorders. The Palestinian Ministry of Labor can issue specific regulations concerning workplace safety and ergonomics, although such regulations may not be widely available yet.
Palestinian legislation prioritizes worker safety and well-being through a framework of health and safety regulations. These regulations outline employer obligations, employee rights, and the role of enforcement agencies.
The Palestinian Labor Law No. (7) of 2000 lays the foundation for employer responsibilities in ensuring a safe work environment. Key obligations include:
Palestinian workers have the right to a safe and healthy work environment. The Labor Law grants them the following rights:
The responsibility for enforcing health and safety regulations falls on several entities:
Enforcement mechanisms are still developing in Palestine. Studies indicate a need for stricter enforcement and improved worker awareness of health and safety rights.
We're here to help you on your global hiring journey.