Protest over suspension
Reinstate Najeeha urgently, demand supporters
Sandeep Singh Grewal
Staff Reporter
Several unionists gathered yesterday in front of the Muharraq Post Office to show their solidarity to Postal Workers’ Union (PWU) Vice President, Najeeha Abdul Ghaffar.
Protest over suspension
Reinstate Najeeha urgently, demand supporters
Sandeep Singh Grewal
Staff Reporter
Several unionists gathered yesterday in front of the Muharraq Post Office to show their solidarity to Postal Workers’ Union (PWU) Vice President, Najeeha Abdul Ghaffar.
The unionist, who is an employee of Muharraq Post office, was slapped with suspension notice on four occasions with the last notice being served on February 22. This was two days after she resumed work upon completing her third suspension notice for 10 days. Najeeha told the Tribune that she had filed two cases against the Postal Directorate regarding her ‘repeated’ suspension.
The next court hearing is slated for March 11.
“I am not being paid during the suspension period and the management has put a hold on improvement of my grade based on the annual performance. They are asking the postal workers to apologise for their union activities,” Najeeha claimed and added that in last notice she was warned of strict action, could allegedly lead to her termination.
The Vice Secretary General of National Democratic Action Society (NDAS), Ibrahim Sharif who participated in the peaceful protest said, “The authorities were initially not happy with Najeeha’s union activities and her being vocal about the workers’ issue during a gathering with activist Munira Fakhro last year. Now, they are trying to state that her performance was poor and may terminate her services. They have a right to unite and express their views,” he said.
NDAS described the suspension as “unconstitutional.”
Unionists gathered in large number carrying flags and banners urging the authorities to support unions in private and public sector.
Members of the General Federation of Bahrain Trade Union (GFBTU) who have taken up Najeeha’s case to the International Labour Organisation said they will send a letter to the Prime Minister, Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, to take up the matter.
“We plan to continue this protest by holding it on every Saturday till Najeeha is reinstated. Employees cannot be suspended for their union activities and this is the message we want to send out to the authorities,” said Mohammed Abdulrahim, GFBTU member and Chairman of the ASRY (Arab Ship Repairing Yard) Trade Union. GFBTU member, Salman Mahfoodh delivered a speech as friends and unionists gathered for the protest which lasted for more than an hour. Al Wefaq Deputy Mohammed Yaqoob Al Mozil told the Tribune that all lawmakers supported the unions of Bahrain.
“All of us are united on defending the right of unionists. We are against the proposal of the setting up of multiple unions in companies. This will encourage sectarianism and I hope the Shura Council which will review the bill understands its implications if it is approved.”
Tribune had reported on February 7 when Najeeha was suspended on charges of hobnobbing with the Press by the Postal Directorate at the Ministry of Transportation Administrative and Financial Affairs Directorate. The unionist’s case is also taken up by the Women’s Trade Union at the Arab Women Organisation.
Article from: Bahrain Tribune Newspaper- www.BahrainTribune.com
http://www.bahraintribune.com/ArticleDetail.asp
