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Bahrain bus drivers strike in wages dispute
31 July 2008
Drivers in Bahrain wreaked havoc on bus services last week after they took action after pay negotiations with their employer failed.
More than 40 drivers employed by the Cars Transport Corporation took part in a one-day stoppage on 21 July. The workers, represented by the company trade union, are demanding a pay rise of 80 Bahrain Dinars (US$212) per month; the workers currently earn a monthly salary of 200 Bahrain Dinars (US$531). Lengthy negotiations between the company and the union failed to bring about an agreement.
The Labour Ministry, which described the workers’ action as illegal, agreed to oversee negotiations between the union and the company once the drivers return to work.
Bilal Malkawi, ITF Arab World Office, said: “Trade unions in Bahrain set a very good example in the Gulf states. We are looking for developments that touch the trade union movement, particularly in some Gulf states where trade unions are banned and where violations against workers take place because they are not unionised. Developments in Bahrain will definitely influence other workers in the region, including migrant workers.”
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