MPs push for payouts on government workers’ unused leave

TDT | Manama

Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com

Some government workers haven’t had a proper break in three years because job cuts left no one to cover for them.

Now, Parliament is set to decide whether they should be allowed to bank up to 100 days of leave — up from the current 75 — or be paid out for the days they can’t take.

The push follows a decision last year to send the matter back for review.

Pressure

The amended proposal, now backed by the Legislative and Legal Affairs Committee, aims to stop staff from losing leave they’re owed while easing pressure on short-handed departments.

The original plan, put forward by MP Dr Muneer Seroor, was simpler. It only sought to lift the cap.

But after further talks, the committee worked in an option for cash payouts.

Fault

“People shouldn’t be penalised for not taking time off when it’s not their fault,” he said. “This move keeps things fair while making sure public services keep running smoothly.”

MP Mohammed Al Rifai, before the amendment, argued the issue started with the voluntary retirement scheme, which cut numbers without replacing staff. That left many unable to step away from their desks.

Time off

“Workers have racked up well over 75 days of leave because they simply can’t take time off,” he said. “The government slashed jobs, didn’t bring in new people, and now expects the rest to carry the load without proper breaks.”

He said the only way out was financial compensation.

“The work is getting done, sure, but at what cost? Some of these people haven’t had a real break in three years,” he said. “If there’s no way to give them the time off, then they should be paid for it. The money’s there. The Civil Service Bureau should work out how many are in this position and make it right.”

Concerns

The Civil Service Bureau, however, had earlier raised concerns about extra strain on the budget and the gap between public and private sector leave rules.

Private workers can only carry over 60 days.

It also stressed the importance of taking time off, arguing that long stretches without a break can drag down both morale and output.

Despite this, the committee is backing the proposal.