Bahrain Free Labour Unions Federation reports 158 worker dispute cases in 2024

TDT | Manama

Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com

The Bahrain Free Labour Unions Federation has reported a notable increase in labour disputes, receiving 158 cases involving approximately 468 workers in 2024.

This figure represents an increase from 127 cases recorded in 2023.

The disputes encompass a range of issues, including wrongful termination, delayed salaries, and refusal to pay entitlements, with foreign workers constituting about 95% of the cases.

Ahmed Aqeel Faqihi, Vice President of the Bahrain Free Labour Unions Federation for Labour Relations and Complaints, told the Daily Tribune that the federation has been actively addressing these issues since the beginning of the year.

Challenges

He emphasised that the variety of cases illustrates ongoing challenges within the labour market.

Among the 158 cases, 51 were related to wrongful termination, indicating a persistent issue in the workplace.

The most common complaints involved delayed salaries and non-payment of entitlements, which accounted for 84 cases.

Obligations

This highlights the critical need for employers to comply with their obligations regarding workers’ rights.

Additionally, there were approximately 23 other cases of varying nature.

Faqihi noted that the federation is committed to supporting workers across all sectors, employing systematic methods to address each case with the workers’ interests as a priority.

Discussions

“This process begins with listening to the affected individuals, ensuring discussions occur in their native languages for clear and comprehensive understanding. For foreign workers, translators are provided to facilitate communication and ensure accurate information exchange, reflecting the federation’s dedication to offering exceptional services to all workers, regardless of nationality or background,” he said.

He mentioned that nearly 70% of the cases received by the federation are resolved amicably, showcasing its effectiveness in finding fair and swift solutions that help workers avoid legal complications.

Cases that cannot be resolved through these means are referred to the courts.