Few job opportunities are not devoid of violence

Few job opportunities are not devoid of violence

Sami Al-Homsi – Daraa

Abu Sa’id manages a local workshop for manufacturing ice blocks and another for producing milk, cheese, and ghee in the Al-Manshiya neighborhood in the Daraa Al-Balad area. The vendors who work with him view his treatment of workers as respectable and deserving attention.

Mohammed Malsama, responsible for packaging and bagging ice for marketing in stores, mentions that Abu Sa’id makes a pot of tea every morning, then allows them to take a break for breakfast after two hours of work. They continue working until noon, take an undefined break, then clean the necessary equipment before leaving the workshop.

Alaa, another worker in the milk and cheese workshop, adds that shortcomings are inevitable in their workplace. Some argue, while others get busy with their phones. However, Abu Sa’id quickly intervenes to reconcile workers and advises us to adhere to work and break times without criticism or reprimand.

Abu Sa’id, the workshop owner, emphasizes that mistreating workers is not a successful management approach; it doesn’t increase factory productivity. On the contrary, dealing poorly with workers diminishes their interest in work, leading to decreased production.

Many business owners, factories, and traders in the region do not treat their workers with dignity in the absence of social and governmental oversight.

“Amr,” who works in car repair in Daraa, also complains about the workshop owner, who shouts loudly at the slightest mistake, such as delaying handing him the wrench or the wheel lifting machine. If the mistake is repeated, he does not hesitate to hit him on the head or back.

The economic situation in Hauran, coupled with the complete paralysis of daily businesses such as construction, architecture, painting, wood, and aluminum, forces young people, especially heads of families, to work in such difficult conditions to secure their livelihoods.

According to local leaders, more than 60% of young men and women suffer from a violent work environment despite their low wages, not exceeding $70 per month. The scarcity of job opportunities forces them to stay in such conditions.

Some young people and girls resort to establishing small projects in their homes to avoid working in those conditions. Nemat, who is 38 years old, is forced to sew in her home, while other young people turn to breeding ornamental and imported chickens for breeding and selling in the markets.

Others remain unemployed, hoping to find an opportunity free from violence and mistreatment.