Private sector seeks to increase workers’ benefits in Herat: Request for 30% salary increase

Afghan Voice Agency (AVA) - Herat: Mr. Amin said at an industrial gathering: “Workers are the main pillars of production. If their livelihood is not secured, the sustainability and growth of the industry will not be possible.” He added that from now on, the salaries of all employees of factories affiliated with his production complex will increase by 30%.

 

According to him, many workers in Herat factories are currently working with low salaries, below the daily subsistence level; which not only reduces work motivation, but also negatively affects production efficiency.

 

The head of the Herat Chamber of Industries and Mines announced that a special committee has been formed to monitor the status of workers’ rights and the implementation of salary increases in factories.

 

At the meeting, Haji Khatibi, the head of Khatibi Food Industries Company, also said that his company, which has more than 300 employees, has decided to increase the salaries of all employees by 30 percent, coinciding with its one-year anniversary of operation. He added: “Our effort is to institutionalize the culture of supporting workers among all industrialists.”

Herat Governor Mawlawi Noor Ahmad Islamjar, while welcoming this decision, emphasized that all factory owners should pay serious attention to the rights and welfare of workers, saying: “Workers are the center of production and economic stability. Paying attention to their salaries is paying attention to the future of the country’s industry.”

On the other hand, Abdul Basir Movahed, the manager of an industrial company in Herat, announced the recruitment of 170 returnees from Iran in his factory, calling this move a step in support of destitute workers and returnees to the country.

According to statistics from international organizations, more than half of Afghanistan's population lives in poverty, and the unemployment rate has increased significantly in recent years. Reduced investment, export restrictions, and a slowdown in industrial activities have caused workers' wages in many provinces, including Herat, to be below the living wage.