UPDATE - Jordanians strike to protest income tax bill

UPDATE WITH MORE INFORMATION

By Laith al-Juneidi

AMMAN (AA) - Jordanians staged a general strike on Wednesday to protest proposed income tax legislation.

The two-hour strike was organized by Jordanian trade unions after the government last week approved an amended version of an income tax bill that would, if passed, subject all annual incomes of 8,000 Jordanian dinars (roughly $11,200) or more to additional taxes.

Members of more than 33 trade unions, along with numerous private-sector employees, took part in Wednesday’s strike.

In the capital Amman, thousands of demonstrators gathered outside the Professional Associates Complex, where they called for the resignation of Prime Minister Hani al-Mulki’s government.

A meeting last week between al-Mulki and members of the Council of Jordanian Trade Unions failed to resolve the ongoing dispute over the unpopular tax bill.

Jordan’s parliament is expected to discuss the draft legislation later this week.