Laws ‘guarantee workers’ rights’
By MOHAMMED AL A’ALI
Published: 11th March 2008
LAWS in Bahrain have been amended to further protect the rights of labourers, Labour Minister Dr Majeed Al Alawi told Shura Council members yesterday.
He said that the government came up with various laws and legislations to ensure that labourers are being treated humanely, fairly and equally.
“Bahrain made several amendments to its law to match international and regional labour standards,” said Dr Al Alawi.
Laws ‘guarantee workers’ rights’
By MOHAMMED AL A’ALI
Published: 11th March 2008
LAWS in Bahrain have been amended to further protect the rights of labourers, Labour Minister Dr Majeed Al Alawi told Shura Council members yesterday.
He said that the government came up with various laws and legislations to ensure that labourers are being treated humanely, fairly and equally.
“Bahrain made several amendments to its law to match international and regional labour standards,” said Dr Al Alawi.
“We regularly inspect private sector establishments to ensure that they follow the law, which doesn’t differentiate between Bahraini and expatriate workers.
“Labour camps are also being inspected to make sure they fulfil the required standards, with those violating the law being fined.
“The ministry is co-operating with the Interior Ministry to ban the transportation of workers in open trucks.
“Salaries are no longer being paid directly to labourers, but into their bank accounts, to ensure they receive them.”
Dr Al Alawi said that expatriate workers were already benefiting from insurance against unemployment, just like Bahrainis.
“We have also assigned a hotline number for labourers to file complaints about rogue employers,” he said.
“There is also a ban in place where labourers cannot be forced to work outdoors from noon to 4pm.
“In addition, we hold regular meetings with ambassadors to ensure that they are being updated on the measures we take to protect their nationals.”
Dr Al Alawi said that a team has been set up with other ministries concerned to look into problems facing labourers, especially when there are strikes or disputes.
“Whenever we receive complaints against employers, we solve them in the fastest way possible, before we take it to court, if no agreement is reached,” said the minister.
Dr Al Alawi was responding to a question by councillor Faisal Fulad on the steps the ministry was taking to protect the rights of expatriate workers and ensure they receive fair treatment in the labour market.
Mr Fulad claimed that the ministry was not properly following international and regional laws. “We have heard a lot that this was set to change, but we are still waiting.”
He said that Bahrain has recorded 103 work-site related deaths and 1,351 serious injuries among expatriates since 2000 until last year.
“There are 135 complaints related to health and safety at the workplace since 2003 and until last year.
There are 61,501 labourers earning salaries up to BD50, 122,894 earn between BD50 and BD100 and 9,160 between BD100 and BD150.
“With all this, you shouldn’t be surprised that the labourers are upset and go on strike after all what has been said.
“This means that out of 259,563 expatriate labourers, 193,555 earn BD150 and less, with 66,008 earning something similar to what Bahrainis earn.”
“Is this the fairness the minister speaks about?”
Mr Fulad said that 11,389 Bahrainis and 88,371 expatriates work in the construction sector, including 99,760 labourers.
“If they had a problem, they should call the hotline, which I have tried calling since March 4, but only an answering machine replies and until today I haven’t received a call back, although I gave in my number,” he said.
Mr Fulad said that Bahrain was keen to improve the standard of living for Bahrainis, “but what about expatriates?”
“Inflation and rising living costs are affecting everyone and we have to retain labourers, who we need for the development of our country.”
alaali@gdn.com.bh
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