Gulf | Bahrain
Attempt to sack workers for Bahrain protest condemned
Unionists condemned on Friday a circular from the Civil Service Bureau warning public employees of dismissal from work if they are convicted of riots and illegal gatherings.
- Staff Report
- Published: 00:13 July 26, 2008
Manama: Unionists condemned on Friday a circular from the Civil Service Bureau warning public employees of dismissal from work if they are convicted of riots and illegal gatherings.
They said they would approach regional and international organisations if the government did not reconsider the decision.
A statement from the Bahrain General Federation for Trade Unions said that the circular, which was released on July 20, is a means to control union activities.
The federation said that any action taken against those taking part in illegal protests would affect workers who might be associated in sit-ins to object to working conditions or to demand job privileges.
Suspension
It highlighted the maltreatment and suspension of two unionists Najiya Abdul Gafar and Jamal Atiq from their work early this year because of their union activities.
The statement highlighted the federation's objection to the circular and other regulations banning public employees from forming their own unions.
According to the federation, the circular has violated public freedom and freedom of expression that are protected by the constitution and international declarations and would make public employees feel insecure.
The federation advised the government to avoid circulars that aim to control freedom to protect its image as a state that promote human rights principles. It vowed to stand with any employee that would be affected by the decision.
Ahmad Al Zayed, head of the Civil Service Bureau (CSB), instructed ministries in a statement last week to sack employees who are convicted of involvement of sabotage.
He said that a circular had been sent to all public organisations as public employees shouldn't be involved in such illegal activities.
Al Zayed said that the termination of contract would be done legally and after court verdict. Convicted rioters would be excluded as candidates for job opportunities in the public sector, he said.
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