ITF stands up to union rights violations in Bahrain

The ITF last week slammed ongoing trade union rights violations in Bahrain, highlighting the experience of the Bahrain Airport Service (BAS) union, a member of ITF-affiliated General Federation of Bahrain Trade Unions (GFBTU).

Back in 2011, thousands of BAS workers were dismissed from work, including union president Yousef Al Khaja. Although a delegation from the International Labour Organization (ILO) received assurances in 2012 that Al Khaja and the other dismissed workers would be reinstated, this has yet to happen. Delegates to the ITF Arab world regional conference in September decided that solidarity with the dismissed workers of Bahrain is a key resolution for the region.
 
In a letter to BAS, the ITF highlighted a number of complaints, including the length of time being taken to reinstate the union president, despite the necessary administrative procedures being complete. The ITF also refers to other apparently anti-union measures, including the closure of the union’s headquarters, the company’s failure to deduct union subscription fees, and the abolition of trade union representation on the Joint Committee for Saving, a joint government and corporate body set up to identify areas where money can be saved.
 
The letter from acting general secretary Steve Cotton notes that: The ITF believes these actions by BAS, taking place during the collective bargaining period, undermine social dialogue and are designed to put an end to trade union activity at BAS…the ITF will be monitoring the situation closely.

Salman Mahfouz, GFTBU general secretary, said: “It is time to reinstate Yousef Al Khaja as president of BAS union. Both the Ministry of Labour and the Bassiouni report said that his dismissal was arbitrary, and related to his union activities. This case has affected thousands of workers – some are still waiting to return to work. Yousef’s dismissed colleagues have all now returned to work – therefore we demand he is reinstated as soon as possible. This case represents a clear violation of international labour standards and freedom of association.”

Lobbying underway by ITF civil aviation unions over the ‘big issues’

ITF civil aviation unions from across the world are lobbying their governments on key worker and industry issues in the run up to the latest ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) meeting.

The ITF will present seven working papers during the 38th ICAO Assembly which begins on 24 September. Civil aviation representatives from governments are a large part of the decision making process on issues tabled over the two-week period.
 
One of the seven areas to be covered is the situation in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Qatar where freedom of association and collective bargaining rights are being denied to ground and cabin crew despite their being employed by highly successful, rapidly expanding airlines. The ITF is urging agreement from the ICAO for action in conjunction with the ILO (International Labour Organization), and in support of an ITF campaign which will be coordinated alongside the ongoing ITUC (International Trade Union Confederation) campaign for labour rights in Qatar.
 
Meanwhile, among other papers to be presented are those covering the need for restraints for the under twos onboard aircraft, the need for the removal of national obstacles to the collection of safety related information by airline staff, air pollution at airports, and cabin air quality and it’s potential negative impact on cabin crew.
 
Secretary of the ITF civil aviation section Gabriel Mocho said: “The issues the ITF is taking forward to the ICAO are the big ones, not just for unions but for passengers and for the industry. National lobbying is key to bringing these topics to the forefront of the agenda and that’s what ITF affiliates are doing, and will be doing more of, over the next couple of weeks.”
 
Civil aviation unions are being asked to try and identify their government’s ICAO liaison, to explain the purpose of the proposals in order to gain their support.
 
Forassistance, advice or to let the ITF know what you’re doing to support in the run up to the ICAO meeting email: civilaviation@itf.org.uk

Swazi union signs recognition agreement with regulators

The ITF-affiliated Swaziland Transport and Allied Workers Union (STAWU) signed a recognition and procedural agreement with Swaziland’s Civil Aviation Authority (SWACAA) on Monday August 19.

PALEA prosecutor arrested – union press for suspension

ITF affiliate Philippine Airlines Employees’ Association (PALEA) called for the government to immediately suspend assistant state prosecutor Diosdado Solidum following his arrest for extortion last Thursday, 10th August. PALEA also demanded the court case Solidum had worked on against 241 of their members be dismissed.