TDT | Manama
Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com
Parliamentarians Hamad Farouk Al Doi and Jalal Khadem Hasan drew attention to the plight of 274 Bahraini employees who were laid off by a delivery company in the country.
Employees were informed of their impending dismissal at the end of Tamkeen’s three-year support period.
Al Dawi said the affected individuals had received their final termination notices and the company was expected to close in Bahrain by May 15, 2024.
It was revealed that the new company would take over operations in the same department and that the number of existing employees would be significantly reduced.
Al Dawi expressed concern for the dismissed employees and called on the Ministry of Labour and other relevant authorities to ensure employment opportunities with equal employment standards and salaries, as well as to protect the rights of those who have been fired.
The two lawmakers highlighted systemic problems and the need for stricter regulations to prevent exploitation, especially by companies benefiting from government subsidies such as the Tamkeen aid.
They stressed the importance of targeting Tamkeen’s aid only to Bahraini-owned businesses to address the recurring problem of foreign companies firing Bahraini workers after the subsidy period ends.
Meanwhile, Al-Mahfouz criticised the ongoing trend of layoffs in the private sector, blaming it on the lack of strong policies to guarantee job security for Bahrainis.
He pointed out loopholes in existing support policies that encourage exploitation and called for tougher penalties for companies that violate labor regulations.
These statements highlight growing concerns over job security and the need for comprehensive measures to protect Bahraini workers from exploitation and insecurity in the private sector.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Labour has responded swiftly to concerns over the closure of a local branch of a delivery company, which led to the termination of employment of Bahraini workers. After consultations with the company’s directors, measures were taken to guarantee the rights of affected workers, including payment of unpaid wages under Labour Law No. 36 of 2012.
To support the affected workers, the Ministry has set up a dedicated team to help them find alternative employment opportunities that match their skills and qualifications. In addition, all affected workers will receive unemployment benefits equivalent to 60% of their insured wages for nine months or until they are reemployed.
The ministry reiterated its commitment to monitor job cuts in the private sector and pledged to seek suitable alternatives for affected workers. The National Bank will work with the relevant authorities and acknowledge the cooperation of employers in providing suitable employment opportunities to job seekers.
From left: Jalal Khadem Hasan and Hamad Farouk Al Doi
