Fight for workers’ rights in Bahrain

As you know, the political situation in Bahrain is critical. The recent detention of doctors for assisting civilians during protests in the capital earlier this year, the prosecution in the military courts of teachers as well as the dismissal of many other workers have already demonstrated that Bahrain’s ruling regime cares little for justice. Transport workers are also under attack.

We understand that the government has started proceedings against several leaders and members of the DHL Trade Union who have been given notice to attend court hearings on 26th October, accused of violating national security.

Two hundred members of the ITF-affiliated Gulf Air Trade Union were dismissed in April. Although seventy per cent them have now been reinstated, many of them have not been restored to their original jobs and none of the union leaders have got their jobs back. We are particularly concerned for Gulf Air union leaders who have been also been issued with charges of violating national security. A first hearing is due on 15th November.

Arab world aviation unions have led the way by offering solidarity see https://www.itfaviation.org/?p=1569, and by forming a monitoring committee that will liaise with the union and decide on what further appropriate actions are needed in order to respond to further developments. The Global Unions group is issuing a joint statement and we would now like to ask you to take action by writing a letter to the Crown Prince of Bahrain asking him to intervene.

The unions need as much support as possible in the run-up to their hearings, so please make sure you do respond to this important appeal.

Thank you again for your solidarity and support.

Yours

David Cockroft

General Secretary