The Arab Academy for Science, Technology, and Maritime Transport (AASTMT) conducted a highly impactful workshop for its managers on the 18th of July 2022, centered around the promotion of decent employment practices, with a particular focus on the concept of a living wage. The event served as a critical platform for AASTMT's leadership to engage in thoughtful discussions and strategize ways to ensure that all staff and faculty members are compensated at least the living wage, which is defined as the local living wage when government guidelines are available, or as the local financial poverty indicator for a family of four, expressed as an hourly wage. This workshop underlined AASTMT's unwavering commitment to Sustainable Development Goal 8 (SDG8), emphasizing decent work and economic growth, by prioritizing fair and equitable remuneration for its employees.
The conclusions drawn from the workshop were both enlightening and forward-looking. AASTMT's managers collectively recognized the pivotal role they play in shaping a work environment that values the well-being and financial security of their staff. They acknowledged that paying a living wage is not just an ethical imperative but also a crucial step in attracting and retaining top talent, fostering job satisfaction, and promoting social justice within the organization. Consequently, AASTMT pledged to take concrete steps to implement and monitor the living wage policy, ensuring that it aligns with local economic conditions and labor regulations. This commitment underscores AASTMT's dedication to SDG8 and its determination to lead by example in creating a workplace where decent employment practices thrive, benefiting both employees and the broader community.