8.2.9 Employment practice labour rights - Decent Work and Economic Growth

2023-2024

The Labor Union at the Arab Academy for Science, Technology, and Maritime Transport (AASTMT) plays a vital role in advancing labor rights by championing union recognition and advocating for freedom of association and collective bargaining for all employees, including women and international staff. This commitment aligns closely with Sustainable Development Goal 8 (SDG 8), which promotes "Decent Work and Economic Growth." Through democratic representation, the promotion of fair working conditions, and adherence to international labor standards, the AASTMT Labor Union actively supports harmonious workplace relations. These efforts are essential in advancing SDG 8’s objectives, ensuring sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, along with full and productive employment and decent work for all.

Labor Rights at Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport

Labor rights at the Arab Academy for Science, Technology, and Maritime Transport (AASTMT) form a core pillar of the institution’s commitment to building an equitable, empowered, and supportive work environment. These rights include freedom of association, collective bargaining, nondiscrimination, fair wages, and safe working conditions for all employees—both local and international. AASTMT has institutionalized these protections through structured bodies such as the Labor Union, which provides employees with a formal platform to express their concerns, advocate for their interests, and participate meaningfully in decisions that affect their workplace.

By embedding these labor protections, AASTMT aligns itself with the global commitments articulated in Sustainable Development Goal 8 (SDG 8): Decent Work and Economic Growth. SDG 8 emphasizes the promotion of inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all. AASTMT’s labor rights framework directly contributes to these objectives by ensuring democratic representation, safeguarding fair and transparent employment practices, and promoting equal opportunities regardless of gender, nationality, or employment category.

A key example of AASTMT’s dedication to inclusive governance is the transparent Labor Union election held in May 2023. All employees were given the opportunity to participate in the democratic process, resulting in a diverse and representative union comprising both women and men from various academic, administrative, and technical roles. This inclusive representation ensures that a broad spectrum of employee perspectives is heard—especially those of women and international staff—supporting SDG 8’s emphasis on reducing inequalities and fostering equal participation in workplace decision-making.

Beyond wage negotiations, the Labor Union plays a crucial multifaceted role. It serves as a mediator in workplace disputes, helping resolve conflicts in a constructive and impartial manner. This mediation function enhances job satisfaction, reduces workplace tensions, and contributes to institutional stability—key components of a productive and resilient workforce. The union also collaborates with HR to organize awareness sessions and training workshops on employment rights, empowering employees to understand and exercise their entitlements confidently and responsibly.

Through these structures and initiatives, AASTMT not only upholds national labor regulations but also advances best practices in decent work, transparency, and employee empowerment. This commitment reflects the institution’s broader mission to cultivate a fair, safe, and growth-oriented environment that supports sustainable development at the organizational and national levels.

Core Labor Rights at AASTMT

Freedom of Association and Collective Bargaining
Employees have the right to join or form unions, elect representatives, and participate in collective negotiations on working conditions.
Right to Fair Wages and Equal Pay
Staff members are entitled to fair, living wages and equal pay for equal work, without discrimination on the basis of gender, nationality, or other characteristics.
Safe and Healthy Working Conditions
AASTMT ensures a safe, hygienic, and supportive work environment that safeguards both physical and mental well-being.
Protection Against Discrimination
Employees are protected from discrimination in recruitment, promotion, compensation, and workplace practices based on gender, race, religion, disability, or other factors.
Prohibition of Forced or Compulsory Labor
No individual may be coerced into employment; all forms of forced labor are strictly forbidden.
Prohibition of Child Labor
AASTMT upholds legal and ethical standards preventing the employment or exploitation of minors.
Right to Rest, Leisure, and Reasonable Working Hours
Employees are entitled to balanced working hours,休息 breaks, paid annual leave, and official holidays.
Right to Job Security
Workers are protected from unjust dismissal and are entitled to due process in matters of termination or contract disputes.
Right to Privacy
Employees’ personal information and privacy are respected, with strict confidentiality measures in place.
Access to Social Protection and Benefits
Staff have access to health insurance, social security, retirement provisions, and other benefits that support economic stability.
Protection Against Harassment and Abuse
AASTMT is committed to maintaining a workplace free from bullying, harassment, and any form of verbal, physical, or psychological abuse.
Right to Participate in Workplace Decision-Making
Employees can contribute to institutional decisions through councils, committees, or elected representatives.
Right to Training and Professional Development
AASTMT supports continuous learning, capacity-building programs, and career advancement opportunities for all employees.

To learn about the academic staff elections regulations, check the Academic Staff Affairs Regulations [1](English), Regulation 2014, page 8.

https://aast.edu/openfiles/opencmsfiles/pdf_retreive_cms_open.php?disp_unit=390/StaffAffairsRegulations.pdf

Check the Academic Staff Affairs Regulations [2] (Arabic), لائحة 2014 , pages 8 and 9.

https://aast.edu/openfiles/opencmsfiles/pdf_retreive_cms_open.php?disp_unit=390/academicstaffaffairsregulations.pdf

AASTMT Welcomes ICOMOS Vice-President and Minister of Environment to Heliopolis Campus — Reinforcing Labour Rights & SDG 8

Alexandria, Egypt – 25 February 2024
The Arab Academy for Science, Technology & Maritime Transport (AASTMT) received Her Highness Princess Dana Firas—Vice-President of International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS)—alongside Her Excellency Dr. Yasmine Fouad, Egypt’s Minister of Environment, at the Heliopolis Campus on Thursday, 22 February 2024. They were welcomed by AASTMT President Prof. Dr. Ismail Abdel Ghafar Ismail Farag and senior academy officials. During the visit, the dignitaries toured the campus, observed AASTMT’s advanced academic facilities and programs, and attended a scientific session on the preservation and restoration of heritage buildings in honour of the 60th anniversary of the Venice Charter.

This visit supports Sustainable Development Goal 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) through strengthening institutional capacity, promoting high-quality education and training, and enhancing professional development—key for productive employment and sustained economic growth. By demonstrating AASTMT’s commitment to institutional excellence and governance, the academy further bolsters its culture of labour rights, non-discrimination, and transparency—foundations for tracking and maintaining gender-equitable pay scales. Through events of this nature, AASTMT reinforces its overall mission: to ensure a workplace where all employees are empowered, fairly compensated, and protected—linking quality education, decent work, and gender-equity in compensation.

Link to the official news page:
https://aast.edu/en/news/news-details.php?language=1&view=1&unit_id=1&news_id=486101981&event_type_id=1

2022-2023

Labor Rights at Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport

In May 2023, the Arab Academy for Science, Technology, and Maritime Transport (AASTMT) held a transparent election for its Labor Union representatives, allowing all employees to participate in the democratic process. The resulting diverse representation within the union, which includes both women and men from different roles across the institution, underscores AASTMT’s commitment to inclusive governance. This inclusivity ensures that a wide array of employee perspectives is considered, addressing the unique challenges faced by women and international staff.
Labor rights at AASTMT are foundational to its commitment to creating an equitable, supportive workplace that respects all employees. These rights encompass freedom of association, the right to collective bargaining, and the promotion of fair working conditions for both local and international staff. AASTMT has established structures like the Labor Union to formalize these rights, enabling employees to advocate for their interests and participate in decision-making processes that affect their work environment.
AASTMT's focus on labor rights by ensuring democratic representation, fair wages, and supportive policies for all employees, regardless of gender or nationality. The Labor Union plays a crucial role here, representing the collective interests of employees and engaging management to secure fair employment terms, including working conditions, compensation, and benefits. By advocating for equitable practices, the union helps AASTMT uphold SDG 8's vision of a fair, safe, and productive workplace.
The role of the Labor Union at AASTMT extends beyond negotiations for fair wages; it also serves as a mediator and advocate for employees in resolving workplace disputes, fostering harmonious relationships between staff and administration. This mediation role promotes job satisfaction and stability, which are essential for productivity and a positive work environment. Additionally, the union organizes workshops and educational programs to inform employees about their rights, empowering them to take active roles in their professional lives.

Core labor rights at the Arab Academy of Science, Technology and Maritime Transport:

Freedom of Association and the Right to Collective Bargaining
- Workers have the right to join or form unions and participate in collective bargaining to negotiate work conditions and terms of employment.
Right to Fair Wages and Equal Pay
- Employees are entitled to fair living wages, including equal pay for equal work, regardless of gender, race, or other characteristics.
Safe and Healthy Working Conditions
- Workers should be provided with a safe and hygienic work environment to protect their physical and mental health.
Protection Against Discrimination
- Employees are protected from discrimination in hiring, pay, promotions, and other employment practices based on race, gender, religion, disability, and other characteristics.
Prohibition of Forced or Compulsory Labor
- No one should be compelled to work against their will, and all forms of forced or bonded labor are strictly prohibited.
Prohibition of Child Labor
- Child labor is prohibited, and protections are in place to prevent the exploitation of children in the workforce.
Right to Rest and Leisure
- Employees have the right to reasonable working hours, paid breaks, and sufficient rest periods, including paid annual leave and holidays.
Right to Job Security
- Workers are entitled to security in their employment and protection from unjust dismissal or termination without cause.
Right to Privacy
- Employees are entitled to respect for their personal privacy in the workplace, including confidentiality in their personal information.
Access to Social Protection and Benefits
- Workers should have access to social benefits, such as health care, unemployment benefits, and retirement plans, to ensure economic security.
Protection Against Harassment and Abuse
- Workers have the right to a workplace free from harassment, bullying, and abuse from employers or coworkers.
Right to Participate in Workplace Decision-Making
- Employees should have a voice in workplace decisions, either directly or through representatives, particularly in areas affecting their roles and safety.
Right to Training and Development
- Workers should have access to training, professional development, and opportunities to advance their skills and career paths.

These rights establish the foundation for dignified and fair work environments, supporting broader goals of social and economic well-being for individuals and communities.

Read about the academic staff elections regulations, Academic Staff Affairs Regulations (English), Regulation 2014, page 8.

Check the Academic Staff Affairs Regulations (Arabic), لائحة 2014 , pages 8 and 9.