11,000 and counting – collective punishment through worker explusion in Bahrain wrecks havoc

Over 11,000 hit by job loss’
16 February, 2012 – Raji Unnikrishnan – Daily Tribune

The sacking of employees in the country during the past one year has indirectly affected a total of 10,988 individuals, according to trade union statistics.
The figure – as per the official records of the General Federation of Bahrain Trade Unions (GFBTU) – includes the families of 1,641 employees who are yet to be reinstated in the private sector, said GFBTU representative Karim Radhi.

According to GFBTU statistics, 157 private companies out of the 200 registered with the union are yet to even initiate their reinstatement, despite royal and ministerial orders.

Labour Minister Jameel Humaidan had earlier announced that 1,400 dismissed employees will benefit from the Insurance Against Unemployment scheme. “We appreciate the government’s decision to give the insurance coverage, but we still differ with them on the number of employees to be reinstated,” said Mr Radhi.

The list of reinstated employees provided by the Government and the employers included those who were taken back even before they were dismissed,” he said.
They explained that the employers had ‘intended’ to dismiss these employees, and later decided otherwise, added Mr Radhi.

He expressed his disagreement over this and also stated that most of the employees under this category could not be contacted to verify the status. “A few whom we could reach said they were not even aware of such a move,” he said.

The GFBTU expects the government to act on the reliable list of employees who have registered with GFBTU demanding a dignified reinstatement.
The Labour Ministry’s move to include trade unionists under insurance cover – for the first time, is a welcome move, he added.

“The Government sent letters to the companies on February 9, 2012 ordering them to reinstate the remaining dismissed workers without conditions, before Feb 16,” said Labour Ministry Undersecretary Subah Salim Al Dossary.

“Any worker who is still not reinstated after that date can raise the case with the Ministry and necessary action as per the labour law will be ensured,” said Mr Al Dossary. “The minister said some 1,350 dismissed workers received unemployment benefits last October. The remaining 50 will receive soon.”