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PRIVATE sector employees may enjoy new benefits including a two-day weekend, if MPs have their way.
Five MPs, led by Jalal Al Kadhem, are seeking amendments to the 2012 Private Sector Employment Law and have presented a proposal in this regard to Parliament Speaker Ahmed Al Musallam.
They claim that the proposed amendments would ensure a better working environment in the private sector while also granting more rights and better terms and conditions for both Bahrainis and expatriate workers.
Also, under the proposal, sick or condolence leave would be guaranteed for employees in their first three months (probation period) without the employer dismissing or deducting from the wages.
The meal, rest or prayer break would be an entitlement with it being considered as part of the eight-hour working day. Maternity hours per working day should be determined through consent, rather than by force, by employers.
The amendments would also entitle workers to an annual holiday of 30-working days rather than the current open 30 days without specifications.
“There are currently loopholes in the law that some employers may use to exploit workers,” Mr Al Kadhem told the GDN.
“Better rights means a better working environment that will benefit the whole sector,” he added.
“There has been a global debate on a four-day work week for private sector employees. Bahrain’s law still states no less than 24 hours should be granted off during a week, and we believe, it should be no less than 48 hours.
“Most mothers, we understand, are unable to attend to their babies at home after pregnancy. Maternity hours should be hence determined through mutual consent, and granted at the beginning or end of the day.”
Mr Al Kadhem said prayer, meal or rest breaks should be part of the eight-hour schedule and this needs to be stated in the law.
“During probation period, an employee could suffer from an illness or his/her relative might die, they shouldn’t be forced to come to work during such emergencies, or face pay cuts. They should not be dismissed if they fail to show up.”
Meanwhile, the MP said more amendments to the law were being studied in an effort to improve the lives of private sector employees.
“They include a minimum wage of BD500, payments for shifts, and more allowances on par with government employees,” said Mr Al Kadhem.
“We want the best for all workers while also boosting their productivity and thus benefiting the private sector.”
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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