Al Bilad newspaper Free Union: During 25 years of the rule of His Majesty the King, Bahrain witnessed important developments in union freedoms, labor rights, and social justice.
– 2024-03-06 03:13:39
The Kingdom of Bahrain is celebrating the 25th anniversary of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa assuming the reins of government in the Kingdom of Bahrain, during which unprecedented achievements were achieved and during which Bahrain transitioned to constitutional life, economic freedoms, union freedoms, labor rights and gains, and human rights.
The Kingdom of Bahrain has witnessed an unprecedented boom for workers under the leadership of His Majesty the King, as workers’ rights have been strengthened, working conditions in Bahrain have been undeniably improved, and serious steps have been taken to ensure fair and dignified treatment of workers, and to achieve social justice in the field of work.
Perhaps among the labor achievements that have been achieved over the past years is the new labor law, where the new labor law was issued that protects workers’ rights and guarantees fair and reliable work standards. The law also includes protecting workers from discrimination and exploitation and guaranteeing their rights to wages, working hours, vacations, and occupational safety and health.
Social dialogue was also strengthened by promoting dialogue and consultation with workers’ organizations and professional unions to enhance workers’ rights and achieve their interests, and by forming committees to discuss labor issues and make joint decisions that promote justice and equality in the field of work.
With regard to developing the infrastructure for workers, more facilities and services have been provided to workers, such as adequate housing, hospitals, educational centers, recreational areas, and other services aimed at improving the quality of workers’ lives and providing a healthy and safe working environment with international standards.
During the era of the reform project, Bahrain also witnessed a major leap in the field of training and professional development, as training and professional development opportunities were provided to workers, with the aim of enhancing their skills and increasing opportunities for employment and advancement in their professional fields.
Among the many achievements for workers are the adoption of International Workers’ Day as an official state holiday starting in 2003, the initiative of His Majesty the King to allocate 30 million Bahraini dinars to implement the national training and employment project, the implementation of the “unemployment insurance” project as of June 2007, and the establishment of the “Labor Market Regulatory Authority.” And the “Labor Fund” in 2006, which contributed to reducing the unemployment rate.
These major labor achievements would not have been achieved without the insightful vision of His Majesty the King, his support for labor rights, and His Majesty’s keenness to promote social justice in the field of work, which made these achievements a strong base for a promising future for workers and for Bahrain in general.
We, in the Free Federation of Bahrain Trade Unions, renew our pledge with His Majesty the King to continue working to support the reform process. We express our deep appreciation for the achievements and gains made by workers during the reform era, and for the efforts made by workers in the Kingdom of Bahrain, who contribute significantly to the development of… And the prosperity of the country.
