Bahrain hails workers on International Labour Day

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Shura Council yesterday thanked the workers in the Kingdom for their dedicated efforts and vital role in serving the nation on the occasion of International Labour day observed worldwide on May 1.

The Council paid tribute to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, lauding royal care and workers’ rights under Bahrain’s advanced laws and regulations.

The statement also commended the support of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al-Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister.

The day celebrates the achievements of the workers and spreads awareness about the exploitation that the workers face. The theme of International Labour Day 2020 was “maintaining safety and security at the workplace” to raise awareness about the Coronavirus pandemic.

Shura Council expressed pride in the role the government plays in introducing economic policies and labour market reforms, which are successful in generating jobs opportunities and ensuring the rights of the workers in the Kingdom. “This is a major achievement both at the regional and international level and developing our investment and economic opportunities,” the statement said.

In this regard, the Council also hailed the strength of the Bahraini cadres and termed them as the nucleus of the nation building process. “They play a pivotal role in supporting the national economy and realising development initiatives and plans,” the statement said, adding, “the development process is ongoing despite the challenges posed by the global spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.”

The Council also commended the efforts exerted by the frontline health workers in battling the deadly outbreak. “They have set shining examples of loyalty and sacrifice to protect the homeland,” members of the Shura Council said.

Shura council members said they would continue to ensure rights by further strengthening the legislative process.

Speaker hails workers

Parliament Speaker Fawzia bint Abdulla Zainal congratulated the leadership of Bahrain and Bahraini workers on the occasion of International Workers’ Day.

She lauded the Government’s keenness to support workers, affirm their rights and professional stability, wishing further development, progress and prosperity, under the leadership of HM the King.

Labour minister hails workers

Labour and Social Development Minister, Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) Chairman, Jameel Humaidan, congratulated the leadership of Bahrain, all Bahraini workers, particularly frontline medical workers, health professionals, security and administrative teams and others. He said that the annual event is celebrated this time remotely in compliance with health protocols and mandatory measures for combating the pandemic.

He also highlighted the role of labour unions in defending just labour issues, affirming Bahrain’s keenness on continued cooperation and coordination with representatives of workers and employers.

Ensuring safety: Khalaf

Essam Khalaf, the Minister of Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning, said the first of May is a day to renew the celebration of human capabilities despite the exceptional circumstances caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Khalaf said the ministry is taking all preventive measures in its worksites. The ministry, he said, attained 2.5 million hours of work in the Sheikh Zayed street expansion project without any work injuries.

Work Ministry also recorded 3.5 million hours of work in the new Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre project, and 2.5 million hours of work in the fourth expansion project of the sewage treatment plant in Tubli, without any work injuries.

Integral part of development: Electricity Minister

Wael bin Nasser Al-Mubarak, the Minister of Electricity and Water Affairs, hailed workers as an integral part of the urban and infrastructure development process of the Kingdom.

“We especially thank workers in the electricity and water sector for their contributions over the past several decades. He said that the celebration of this occasion confirms the interest and appreciation of the wise leadership of workers in all sectors.

The minister congratulated all workers for their efforts in building the homeland and its advancement.

Quality work environment: Al-Dossary

Issa Al-Dossary, Deputy Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defense and National Security, said Bahrain had raised the quality of its work environment by stimulating production and ensuring rights without discrimination, especially amid the COVID-19 outbreak.

Bahrain, he said, had demonstrated its ability to adapt to various circumstances by creating exceptional initiatives ensuring labour market stability.

The 4.3 billion dinars stimulus package ensured wages in the private sector and supported enterprises hurt by the pandemic. “Bahrain succeeded remarkably in localising jobs, accelerating the pace of workforce integration in private establishments, and enhancing the ability of the local market to generate employment opportunities,” Al-Dossary added.

He also praised the efforts of all workers on the front lines of medical, security and administrative teams.

Fundamental pillars: Al Zayed

President of the Civil Service Authority, Ahmed bin Zayed Al-Zayed, said the Kingdom is proud of the national competencies - the fundamental pillars of Bahraini society.

The Civil Service Authority, he said, is working to empower, develop young Bahraini citizens and improve job opportunities. He said, “The Labour Day is an opportunity to celebrate our national cadres and their sacrifices for the advancement and prosperity of the homeland, which was evident in recent times through their efforts to address the Coronavirus pandemic.”

Al-Zayed also stressed the importance of continuing cooperation between government agencies for implementing comprehensive development strategies.

Determined to protect: Al Saleh

Ali bin Saleh Al Saleh, the Chairman of the Shura Council, affirmed that Bahrain is determined to protecting and preserving the rights of all employees and workers in the public and private sectors.

The chairman praised the care and support accorded by the government to the workers in the public and private sectors, citing the initiatives aimed at fostering partnership and responsibility in achieving sustainable growth Al Saleh affirmed that the Council would spare no effort in supporting legislation that promotes workers’ rights, defines their duties, and opens multiple horizons for them to develop at all levels.

He described Labour Day as an occasion to recall the sacrifices of the fathers and forefathers in serving Bahrain and its people.