ITUC condemns anti-union reprisals in Bahrain

Solidarity with Arab trade unions

TUC Aid MENA appeal

12 April 2011

The Bahraini Government has engaged in massive sackings, threats and violence against workers and their trade union representatives in response to their participation in strikes and protests for greater democracy in the country. The ITUC and the global trade union movement have condemned these vicious reprisals.

In a letter to King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain, of 7 April 2011, the ITUC has demanded an immediate end to the anti-union repression campaign being waged by the authorities, the reinstatement of some 1,300 workers who have been sacked by various enterprises on the instructions of the government, and the withdrawal of all legal actions being undertaken against workers who have participated in trade union activities in the strife-torn Gulf state in recent weeks.

'The Bahraini authorities seem to be intent on destroying the country's trade union movement, as a central part of a campaign of revenge against those who took part in peaceful demonstrations and strike actions in protest at the killing and maiming of innocent people by Bahrain's security forces with the support of foreign troops,' said ITUC General Secretary Sharan Burrow.

'The ITUC, our Global Unions partners and national affiliates across the world will be intensifying our action to convince the country's rulers to stop repression and start genuine dialogue with the national trade union centre GFBTU. Bahrain's economy is already sliding badly, and if the government continues this repression, it will be responsible for even further damage to the country's economy and international reputation,' continued Burrow.

For more information see:

ITUC (4 April, 2011): Bahrain: Wave of Sackings, Threats and Violence Against Workers and Union Representatives

ITUC, 1 April 2011 'Bahrain: Political Exploitation of Migrants Puts Their Lives at Risk'