Recovery boosts labour market

The latest labour market trends are encouraging as the economy continues to recover following the oil price drop crisis of 2014, it emerged. 

After an underwhelming period in the employment market since the dip in the oil prices in 2014; signs are that the labour market is on the mend, thanks to the steady recovery of the economy, according to Labour Ministry.  

Speaking to Tribune, Labour Ministry Assistant Undersecretary for Labour Affairs Dr Mohammed Ali Al Ansari said that 2017 was a positive year for the labour market with the ministry noting increase in recruitment, stability in terms of unemployment and lower numbers in labour issues. 

“Last year there has been a significant increase in the recruitment of nationals. We also succeeded in stabilising the local market in terms of unemployment, which remained at around four per cent. On the other hand, the number of cases filed with the ministry because of different disputes between employer and employee also remain at a minimum when compared to 2016, 2015, and 2014,” he pointed out. 

“The number of dismissed Bahraini workers in 2014 was 1,700, while in 2017 it was 1,400. We could also keep the number of dismissed workers of expatriates at an acceptable level.”

Positive indicators

Newly found optimism from the oil discovery at Khalij Al Bahrain Basin and the launch of various major projects could channel a positive trajectory for the labour market, he said.

“The market is always affected by the financial situation in the country. Right now there is stability in the country, there are many new projects that has come up and many whose works are ongoing. “

“Last year avenues launched and Alba started works on their expansion project.” he said, adding, “The most positive indicator was the discovery of large amount of oil this will give a push to the economic situation of the country. This could prompt even more new projects.”

Salary disputes

General Federation of Bahrain Trade Unions (GFBTU) assistant secretary for international relations Karim Radhi said that some of the high profile issues related to delayed salary are gradually being resolved. “In terms of labour issues, I have witnessed four major issues from major companies. The cases are in the process of getting resolved. Some of them are yet to be resolved while progress is being made in other cases.”

Ministry of Labour initiatives have ensured that the recruitment scenario remains high, especially for Bahrainis. The ministry, along with Tamkeen are funding the part of salaries of recent graduates employed in the private sector and this has been effective along with many other similar schemes, he added.  

Humanitarian support urged

Urging ‘humanitarian support’, Bahrain Human Rights Watch Society general secretary Faisal Fulad said that more focus must be given to workers who lose their source of income due to health reasons.  

“Currently we are dealing with the case of a man who became unable to work due to health reason. He is bedridden and losing his eye sight, a travel ban has been placed on him because he was unable to clear his debts. 

He is now in a helpless situation and will not be able to pay his debts. There should be a mechanism to deal with such humanitarian cases. 

This is a humanitarian case, there are many like these.” he said.