The Bakery Workers Union in Beirut and Mount Lebanon has called for "the protection of bread and workers' rights, as bread is the essential and vital substance and daily sustenance for workers, the poor, and the unemployed, especially in the current economic conditions." The union highlighted that "workers are the primary party in the production of bread, and oven workers operate under difficult and exhausting conditions, in high temperatures and late nights to ensure bread for all citizens."
In a statement, they affirmed that "bread is a sacred right and a trust upon our shoulders," demanding the formation of a committee to study the cost and production of a loaf of bread, composed of conscientious individuals and qualified experts, working with objectivity and transparency. This committee would be a guarantee for the bread supply, protecting it and preserving the bakery and oven sector along with its workers to ensure the continuity of work for both parties. The union asserted, "We are concerned with the quality, type, and safety of the bread."
The union stated, "It is our natural right to inquire about workers' wages, knowing that with each increase in the price of the loaf, there is a clause (in light of the increase in wages of workers in the production of Lebanese bread), where are these increases? The monthly wage for workers, according to bakery owners' sources, is still $170 based on 8 hours of work, whereas the actual wage exceeds $350 monthly. Since July 14, 2020, we have been demanding the correction of this discrepancy."
The union addressed Minister of Economy and Trade Amin Salam, saying, "It is time to form the committee to protect the bread and workers' rights, clearly regarding the number of workers and their wages, as you have raised the slogan that bread is a sacred right for all citizens. We are hopeful and confident in your excellency and in the relevant parties to respond and to establish a committee to study the cost and production of a loaf of bread and to give every rightful party their due."
