From saving lives to seeking justice :Private hospital accused of labour exploitation, 31 staff file criminal complaint

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune - www.newsofbahrain.com

Email: anchalo@newsofbahrain.com

Thirty-one medical professionals, including doctors, nurses, and other staff, have filed a criminal complaint against a private hospital and its executive director, alleging labour exploitation and non-payment of wages. According to lawyer Maha Jaber, representing the complainants, the 31 individuals worked in various medical fields at the hospital, with salaries ranging from BD4,100 to BD200 per month.

They had been employed for periods ranging from five years to several months, with their salaries and job titles stipulated in employment contracts. Jaber stated that the hospital began delaying salary payments in February 2024, with delays reaching up to two and a half months without justification.

Closure

The complainants ceased working after the hospital verbally announced its closure without prior notice or warning, and refused to pay their salaries for July, August, and September 2024. Jaber emphasised that the hospital’s refusal to pay salaries constitutes a violation of Bahraini law and represents a criminal offense under the Penal Code and Labour Law. She argued that this constitutes forced labour without compensation, justifying the criminal complaint.

Demands

“The complainants are demanding their overdue salaries, as well as other labour entitlements such as end-of-service benefits, annual leave pay, service certificates, and travel tickets,” she stated. Jaber cited the Penal Code, which stipulates that anyone who uses forced labour in any work or unjustly withholds all or part of their wages shall be punished by imprisonment and a fine or one of these penalties.

Additionally, any employer or their representative who violates the provisions of Chapter 6 of the Labour Law and its implementing decisions shall be fined no less than BD200 and no more than BD50. She further stated that the hospital’s refusal to pay the complainants’ salaries and other entitlements after their employment ended is a clear violation of the Penal Code and Labour Law, constituting forced labour and warranting legal action.

Operations

The Daily Tribune reported earlier this month that the private hospital had ceased most of its operations for several days without providing any reasons, halting patient admissions and consultations. The suspended operations include approximately 30 specialties in general surgery, obstetrics and gynecology, assisted reproduction, pediatrics, and cosmetic surgery. Doctors and nurses working said that they are facing difficult circumstances due to the hospital’s non-payment of salaries for two months.