Karbala - Al-Nabaa Forum for Dialogue participated in an International Labour Organization (ILO) discussion in Karbala, focused on mechanisms for expanding social security coverage following the enactment of Social Security Law No. 18 of 2023. The event brought together relevant government institutions, labor unions, and syndicates.
Ali Al-Talaqani, Head of the Forum, explained that Al-Nabaa has been partnering with the ILO since 2023, noting that this collaboration was built on prior communications and mutual understandings supported by the European Union. He added that the current program is a direct response to the demands of the upcoming phase. While previous discussions centered on expanding coverage, today’s focus has shifted to the implementation of the law and overcoming its associated hurdles. Al-Talaqani emphasized that the Forum aims to create a space for dialogue that unites the three main pillars of production, workers, employers, and the government, alongside international organizations, to bridge the gap between academic and practical perspectives.
A Law Born Amid Social Challenges:
ILO expert Dr. Adnan Yassin opened the session by describing the "difficult birth" of the law in a society burdened by challenges that have deeply affected its social fabric and behaviors. He explained that discussing the workers' retirement law and expanding its coverage is a vital response to these issues, which requires further community dialogue to help transition the informal sector into the formal economy.
Enforcing the Law and Expanding Coverage:
Igor Bosc, Chief Technical Advisor for Social Security at the ILO, noted that the discussion reflects that the implementation of the new law is on the right track. He stressed the importance of accurately pinpointing challenges, adjusting strategies, expanding coverage, and regulating labor. Bosc pointed out that the social security system offers nine short- and long-term benefits. These include a retirement plan covering the actual salary, support for workers’ families, and compensation for workplace injuries and disabilities. It also covers healthcare, sick leave for chronic illnesses, maternity benefits, unemployment support, and psychosocial care linked to poverty rates.
Working with Partners and Implementation Challenges:
Ali Najm, Director of Retirement and Social Security in Karbala, emphasized that Law No. 18 of 2023 is a crucial step due to its direct impact on both workers and employers. He explained that it broadens the umbrella of coverage to include previously excluded groups, obligating employers to comply while offering voluntary enrollment for small business owners and freelancers. He pointed out the challenges facing field inspection committees. Despite the legal authority granted to them to inspect workplaces and review records, there is a pressing need to address the practical obstacles hindering their day-to-day work.
The Need for a Supportive Legislative Environment:
Dr. Riyadh Al-Masoudi stressed the need to provide a supportive legislative environment that guarantees the rights of broad segments of society while simultaneously building a productive community. He highlighted several challenges, primarily the lack of reliable indicators and data, as well as outdated legislation that has failed to keep pace with social shifts. He added that this transitional phase requires expediting the law's implementation and updating its associated mechanisms, especially given the absence of a recent census, accurate databases, and demographic studies. Al-Masoudi concluded that the successful implementation of the law depends on measures that take into account the nature of Iraqi society.
