Bahrain companies violate summer work ban

Manama : Several companies are forcing their labourers to work during the summer work ban hours, claimed Bahrain Human Rights Watch Society (BHRWS).

The Labour and Social Development Ministry had enforced summer work ban from July 1 till August 31 from noon to 4pm.

Terming the ministry's efforts ineffective, the BHRWS has recently launched a campaign titled “Heat Kills Them“ to catch the violators.

The public was encouraged to take photographs when they spot labourers working during the ban hours.

According to BHRWS General Secretary Faisal Fulad, the society has received umpteen photos and videos of the offence.

“The majority of the violations are going undetected.We have received many pictures and videos of the violations."

The ministry says almost all of the companies are adhering to the ban. But from what we know so far this is not the case," he said. He said labour unions as well as the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) should play their parts in monitoring the violations.

“The BCCI have already set up committees for various sectors, including the construction sector. They can work out a system to find and report violators. There are more than 1,500 construction companies in Bahrain and the ministry has around 50 inspectors,” Fulad remarked.

“How can these inspectors visit the entire country during the time of work ban? The ministry needs to find a solution, and coordinate with various organisations that can help them enforce this ban,” he suggested.

“To contribute to the BHRWS campaign, pictures of the violations can be sent to the WhatsApp number 36455424,” Fulad added.