LEBANON - Lebanon’s Index Committee agreed on September 28 to calculate workers’ transport allowances based on the cost of five litres of gasoline per working day, increase family benefits, and begin a one-month review of the minimum wage and end-of-service compensation.
Under the proposed transport allowance mechanism, eligible workers would receive an amount equivalent to the cost of five litres of gasoline for each working day. The allowance would be calculated monthly based on the month's average gasoline price.
The allowance would be subject to a monthly minimum of 500,000 Lebanese pounds and a ceiling of 800,000 pounds.
The Ministries of Labour and Energy will coordinate the implementation mechanism. The new allowance will take effect once approved by the Council of Ministers, following completion of the required legal procedures and consultation with the State Council.
The government is expected to seek approval this week or, if that is not possible, next week.
Family Benefits to Increase
The agreement also provides for an increase in family benefits paid through Lebanon’s National Social Security Fund.
The new amounts are expected to reach about 86% of their 2019 levels, with the benefit set at 3 million pounds for a spouse and 1.6 million pounds per child.
The Social Security Fund’s board will complete the necessary procedures before the measure is submitted to the government for approval.
Minimum Wage Review
The committee also agreed to hold regular meetings to examine the minimum wage and end-of-service compensation.
Representatives of workers, economic sectors and the Ministry of Labour will take part in the discussions, with a one-month deadline to complete the review and submit recommendations to the committee before they are referred to the Council of Ministers.
Foreign Drivers to be Regulated
Separately, the Ministry of Labour said it would establish conditions and criteria for licensing foreign drivers working in freight and domestic and international trucking, in response to a shortage of drivers that has affected cargo movement, including exports and transport through Beirut port and border crossings.
The planned regulations will apply to freight transport. Taxi, van and bus services for domestic passenger transport will remain restricted to Lebanese drivers.
Authorities also plan to step up enforcement against foreign drivers working illegally in the domestic passenger transport sector.
The measures follow discussions with transport unions over the shortage of drivers and its impact on the movement of goods.
The agreements on transport and family allowances remain subject to the required government procedures before they enter into force.
