Living Wage, Equal Pay, and Fair Pay Scale Policy

Policy Statement

In alignment with An-Najah National University’s mission to foster equity, excellence, and social responsibility, this policy establishes a comprehensive framework for managing employment relations and ensuring compliance with all applicable labor laws and ethical standards. It governs procedures related to recruitment, retention, promotion, compensation, discipline, grievance resolution, and tenure.

An-Najah National University is firmly committed to upholding fairness, equality, and transparency in all employment matters and ensuring that every member of its academic and administrative community is treated with dignity and respect.

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to provide clear and consistent guidance on all employment-related matters at An-Najah National University. It serves as a reference for faculty and staff to understand the legal, regulatory, and institutional frameworks that govern employment practices. Through this policy, the University aims to ensure that all employment decisions are transparent, equitable, and aligned with national legislation and international labor standards.

Scope

This policy applies to all University employees, including academic faculty, administrative staff, technical personnel, and support staff, across all campuses and departments. It covers all aspects of employment, from recruitment and onboarding to compensation, performance evaluation, and professional advancement, ensuring fairness and consistency throughout the employment lifecycle.

Principles

An-Najah National University is dedicated to creating and maintaining a workplace culture that promotes fairness, inclusivity, and equal opportunity. The following principles guide the University’s employment practices:

1. Legal and Regulatory Compliance

The University strictly adheres to all national labor laws and regulations, ensuring that its employment policies and practices comply with the Palestinian Labor Law No. (7) of 2000 and subsequent government directives. All employment actions, from recruitment to compensation, are conducted ethically and lawfully.

2. Living Wage and Fair Compensation

The University ensures that all employees and faculty members are paid no less than the minimum living wage as determined and periodically updated by the Palestinian Government through the Prime Minister’s Office Decision No. (121) dated 23/08/2021.
An-Najah University regularly reviews and adjusts its pay scales to align with local economic conditions and living standards, ensuring that every employee earns a fair wage that supports a decent standard of living for themselves and their families.

3. Equal Pay and Non-Discrimination in Compensation

The University upholds a strict policy of equal pay for equal work, free from discrimination based on gender, age, disability, ethnicity, religion, or any other protected characteristic.
An-Najah is committed to measuring, monitoring, and closing gender pay gaps, ensuring that men and women receive equitable compensation for comparable roles and responsibilities. The University conducts regular internal assessments and audits to track pay equity and address any disparities that may arise.

4. Transparent Pay Scale

The University follows a transparent and standardized Pay Scale in accordance with the unified framework for Palestinian higher education institutions as issued by the Palestinian Higher Education Council. Salary classifications and benefits are clearly defined to promote fairness, accountability, and trust among all employees.

5. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

The University actively recruits and supports individuals from underrepresented and marginalized groups, ensuring diversity in its workforce. Policies and initiatives are in place to eliminate systemic barriers and create an inclusive environment where all employees can thrive.

6. Prevention of Exploitation and Forced Labor

An-Najah University maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward forced labor, modern slavery, human trafficking, and child labor. It enforces strict oversight to prevent exploitation in all operations and collaborates with external organizations to promote ethical labor practices.

7. Work-Life Balance and Flexibility

Recognizing the changing dynamics of work, the University offers flexible working arrangements, including remote work and compressed work schedules, where operationally feasible. These arrangements are designed to enhance employee well-being while maintaining productivity and institutional effectiveness.

8. Protection of Vulnerable Groups

The University is committed to safeguarding children, students, and vulnerable adults by implementing clear protection protocols and fostering a safe and respectful working and learning environment.

9. Intellectual Property and Legal Compliance

The University protects the intellectual property rights of all faculty and staff and ensures compliance with national and international laws governing copyrights, patents, and trademarks.

10. Continuous Review and Improvement.

The University periodically reviews its employment, compensation, and equity policies to ensure ongoing compliance with legal standards and best practices. Policies are updated to reflect socioeconomic developments and institutional priorities.

Monitoring and Accountability

The Human Resources Department, under the oversight of the University Administration, is responsible for:

• Conducting periodic wage and equity audits to verify compliance with the living wage and equal pay commitments;

• Reporting annually on compensation structures and gender pay parity; and

• Recommending corrective actions where disparities are identified.

These reviews ensure that the University maintains its position as a fair, responsible, and socially accountable employer in Palestine.

 

Effective Date: October 12, 2016

Review Date: Jun 24, 2024