Policy Grievances

Residents of the Beddawi refugee camp closed the entrances into the camp this morning with tires and vehicles in protest at the Labor Ministry's decision on Palestinian workers

Technicians at Beirut's Rafik Hariri International Airport protested Friday morning to demand delayed payments for night and overtime work. Director-General of Civil Aviation Mohammad Chehabeddine said the protest, which lasted an hour, did not affect any flights. Chehabeddine said the workers had not received overtime pay for five months. He said the delay was due to a decision by the Finance Ministry that public employees be paid only their regular wages and transportation fees until the draft 2019 state budget is passed.

Dozens of Lebanese University students gathered in Beirut’s Riad al-Solh Square Friday to support the LU’s professors and protest the draft state budget. The students held signs reading, “We support the nation’s university. Yes to a national, independent and productive university.” Professors have been striking since May 6 to protest the draft budget’s allocations to LU and articles affecting state employees.

Veterans pushed down metal barriers and faced down water cannons Monday, marching toward Beirut’s Grand Serail as ministers met inside to discuss ways to slash the 2019 state budget.

The crowd of over a thousand veterans, state workers and teachers was protesting against possible reductions in wages and end-of-service benefits being included in the draft budget.

After pushing down one of the metal barriers outside the serail gate, the protesters marched toward the entrance, with security forces attempting to push them back.