Social protection

In the services sector

Security for people, at work and beyond.

Social protection concerns workers’ lives both inside and outside the workplace. Pay alone does not answer what happens in the event of illness, injury or old age. This is why the Public Services Workers’ Union in Nablus Governorate treats protection as a priority for social justice and decent work.

Our role is union-based, educational and representative: we explain concepts and seek to bring workers’ needs into dialogue, bargaining and policy. This is particularly important for those on short-term or part-time contracts, platform workers and those who find it difficult to prove the continuity of their income.

Protection is a system that goes beyond emergency assistance

Protection combines income security and access to healthcare. It includes social insurance, services, benefits and policies that help people face risks throughout life, according to the legal and institutional system in place.

In services, missing a day of work may immediately reduce income, and an injury to a delivery worker or illness affecting a cleaner may stop their livelihood. We therefore place coverage, benefit adequacy and ease of access among shared labour issues.

Nine branches in the international standard

ILO Convention No. 102 of 1952 defines branches of social security. Presenting them here illustrates areas of protection that can serve as guidance; it does not mean that all are available through a single local programme.

Medical care

Access to necessary health services.

Sickness benefits

Income protection during temporary incapacity due to illness.

Unemployment benefits

Income support after job loss, subject to the system’s conditions.

Old age

Income security in old age.

Employment injury

Protection against work-related injuries and diseases.

Family benefits

Helping meet the needs of families and children.

Maternity

Care and income security during pregnancy and childbirth.

Disability

Protection when earning capacity is lost.

Survivors’ benefits

Protection for those who depended on the breadwinner’s income.

A basic floor that includes those in need of protection

The Social Protection Floors Recommendation, 2012 (No. 202), provides guidance on building basic guarantees defined by States according to their circumstances, while progressively extending protection. Its areas include:

Access to essential healthcare throughout life.
Basic income security for children to meet essential needs.
Basic income security for people of working age unable to earn sufficient income, including in cases of illness, unemployment, maternity and disability.
Basic income security for older persons.

What can be discussed in the workplace?

Bargaining starts with clear information on the contractual relationship, pay and coverage that actually exists. In offices, shops and service establishments, dialogue can address clarity about available insurance, leave, continuity when contractors change, and conditions governing additional benefits.

We seek to represent the needs of women, young people, persons with disabilities and workers in insecure forms of employment, so demands do not reflect only one group’s experience. Explaining conditions in understandable language also helps workers distinguish an existing benefit from a union demand to improve it.

Understanding Palestinian realities accurately

It is essential to distinguish labour provisions in force, existing programmes run by the competent bodies, and draft laws or proposals under discussion. Each has its own scope, conditions and responsible body; similar names alone do not establish entitlement.

We draw on international standards in advocacy and dialogue for inclusion, fairness, sustainability and transparency. This page does not announce a union-run fund or insurance scheme, or promise a specific financial entitlement.

From awareness to action

What is our union’s role?

Awareness that clears up confusion

Explaining the difference between a legal right, an insurance benefit, assistance and a proposed demand, with referral to the relevant authority.

Representing shared demands

Highlighting the impact of working conditions on family security and seeking better coverage and benefits through dialogue and collective bargaining.

Advocating inclusion and participation

Advocating policies that account for less protected workers and strengthen their voice in discussions on the design and management of protection systems.

Protecting workers starts before they lose their income and becomes fairer when workers help define its priorities.

For a fuller picture

Frequently asked questions

Does the union provide insurance or a pension through this page?

This page raises awareness and explains the union’s role. It does not announce an insurance programme, fund or payments. Any benefit and its conditions require an approved reference from the body responsible for it.

Do international standards automatically entitle everyone to all benefits?

Standards provide a reference framework for developing protection. Individual entitlement depends on the legislation and system applied, the scope and conditions of coverage, and cannot be determined from a general summary.

Browse the FAQ library

References

Awareness content explaining the union’s role. Consult the laws in force and the competent authorities when examining an individual case.