MLSD Minister: Strengthening cooperation between the parties to production contributes to the stability of the labor market

27-06-2020

His Excellency the Minister of Labour and Social Development, Mr. Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, during his meeting with Yaqoob Yousef Mohammed, Executive Council Chairman of the Bahrain Free Labour Unions Federation (Al Hurr), in his office at the Ministry, stressed that enhancing co‑operation between the three production parties during these exceptional circumstances witnessed by the Kingdom of Bahrain and the world due to the Coronavirus (COVID‑19) pandemic, will undoubtedly contribute to maintaining the stability of the national workforce in the labour market, preventing harm to them, preserving their rights and ensuring the continuity of their contribution, which enhances the sustainability of the production wheel in various private sector establishments. The two sides agreed to continue and strengthen the efforts exerted by all parties under the current circumstances to ensure the stability of the national workforce and support Bahraini workers, thanks to their dedication, professional discipline, and constant desire to develop themselves to enhance the productivity of the establishments in which they work. Mr. Yaqoob also reviewed the Free Union’s efforts to highlight Bahrain’s experience in confronting the Coronavirus (COVID‑19) to the Arab Labour Organization, including the financial support package provided by the government to the private sector in order to maintain the stability of the labour market, during the Free Union’s participation in the forum held recently by the Arab Labour Organization, via videoconference, where this experience was admired by the Arab countries participating in the forum. On this occasion, Humaidan praised the role played by the Bahrain Free Trade Union Federation and its efforts in supporting the stability of the national workforce. He stressed in this context the Ministry’s keenness to stabilise the conditions of national workers through its close monitoring of the labour market movement, and its direct and immediate communication with the management of establishments to achieve this goal. He added that the number of lay‑offs is still limited, stressing that tripartite co‑operation between the production parties contributes to the stability of the labour market and supports national human resources in a way that serves the public interest. He pointed out that the labour market is still generating jobs, and that the recruitment process is continuing at reasonable rates despite these emergency conditions. He called on everyone to assume national responsibility to overcome this stage with confidence, reflecting the vitality enjoyed by the Kingdom of Bahrain in facing various challenges. For his part, the Chairman of the Executive Council of the Bahrain Free Trade Union Federation praised the efforts made by the Ministry of Labour and Social Development and its role in stabilising the national workforce, noting the Ministry’s policy of activating social dialogue to address the challenges facing the labour market. He pointed out that this policy has proven successful in many national events, stressing at the same time the importance of preserving citizens’ jobs in the private sector and securing all their labour rights. He expressed the Bahrain Free Trade Union Federation’s constant support and readiness to support national efforts to support the stability of the national workforce and enhance the growth of the local labour market in light of these exceptional circumstances, praising the national institutions and companies that adhere to the Bahraini citizen as the best option to fill various job vacancies in production sites.