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Workers seek stronger rights
By BEGENA P PRADEEP
BAHRAIN’S workers will take to the streets today to demand stronger union rights, including protection against harassment by employers.
They will also demand the right for government workers to join trade unions and better management of social insurance funds, which cover pensions and compensation for injured workers.
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Workers seek stronger rights
By BEGENA P PRADEEP
BAHRAIN’S workers will take to the streets today to demand stronger union rights, including protection against harassment by employers.
They will also demand the right for government workers to join trade unions and better management of social insurance funds, which cover pensions and compensation for injured workers.
The Labour Day march is being spearheaded by the General Federation of Bahrain Trade Unions (GFBTU) under the theme: Respecting International Standards is the Road to Social Justice.
“This year we are emphasising that the funds of the General Organisation for Social Insurance (Gosi) should be managed in a transparent way,” said federation activities and projects assistant secretary-general Karim Radhi.
“The Gosi funds are the public’s money and should be managed transparently and honestly.
“Workers have the right to legally question any mismanagement of their money.
“We hardly know of any worker getting their dues from Gosi, while we pay our hard-earned money to them every month.
“There should be a proper system for the reimbursement of money.”
Gosi collects money from companies every month, but has been accused of failing to make payments to those injured at work.
Meanwhile, the GFBTU wants government workers to be allowed to form trade unions. They are currently unable to do so, despite thousands signing a petition requesting that right.
“Bahrain is a member of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and must follow every one of its conventions,” said Mr Radhi.
“One of the ILO conventions is that public sector employees also have the freedom to participate in trade unions.
“Workers in both private and public sectors should have the right to join trade unions and to make demands and there shouldn’t be any discrimination.
“In Bahrain, the private sector workers are legally allowed to form and join trade unions, while those in the public sector are not.
“Even if some of the public sector workers are part of trade unions, they are not recognised by the government and are not given the same rights as those in private sector trade unions.
“We want the government to legally recognise public sector trade unions and give them the same rights as private sector employees.”
Some trade unionists have also accused their companies of waging a campaign of intimidation against them – including unfair sackings and harassment.
“The federation also wants workers to be able to make legitimate demands from companies without being harassed,” said Mr Radhi.
Today’s march will start at 4pm outside the head office of Gosi, in the Diplomatic Area, and end at the Bahrain Financial Harbour.
Both Bahrainis and expats are expected to take part, along with union leaders and Labour Ministry officials.
An honouring ceremony will take place before the march at the Gulf Hotel, in which 318 workers from the public and private sectors will be recognised.
Labour Minister Dr Majeed Al Alawi, GFBTU secretary-general Salman Al Mahfoodh and Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry chairman Dr Essam Fakhro will deliver speeches at the event, which starts at 9.30pm. begena@gdn.com.bh
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http://www.gulf-daily-news.com/ArchiveNewsDetails.aspx?date=05/01/2009&storyid=249373
