Bashara Al-Asmar, President of the General Labor Union in Lebanon, has called for an emergency executive council meeting scheduled for Thursday, July 2, at 10:00 a.m. at the union's headquarters in Corniche Al-Nahr. The meeting aims to deliberate on necessary escalation steps, including strikes and sit-ins, in protest of a decree that significantly impacts workers, employees, and various segments of the Lebanese population across multiple sectors amidst the current security conditions and economic slowdown.
Al-Asmar stated, "Law 38/2026, enacted by the Parliament, imposed fees on certain products based on the quantity or type of waste generated during their production or use, adhering to the principle of producer responsibility. The law initially set these fees between 0.1% and 0.3% as per Table No. 1 attached."
He further added, "The cabinet has increased these rates tenfold and altered some provisions through Decree No. 3214, published in the official gazette, Issue 26, dated 18/6/2026, imposing a heavy burden on citizens. This is particularly concerning as the list includes fuel and food items. Additionally, the cabinet did not consider the ramifications of these fees on consumption amidst ongoing security deterioration, assaults, displacement, and worsening economic and social conditions across various Lebanese regions."