MORE than 250 Bahraini workers in the private sector were honoured at a ceremony yesterday marking International Workers’ Day, which is observed on May 1.
The event was held under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad who deputised Labour Minister and Labour Market Regulatory Authority chairman Jameel Humaidan to attend.
The annual ceremony was organised by the General Federation of Bahrain Trade Unions (GFBTU) at the Crowne Plaza Manama.
Among the 252 workers honoured were retired unionists Jaffar Khalil, Abdulwahid Al Najjar and Yousif Qarooni, and national labour work supporters Dr Mona Fadhel, Ahmed Al Onaisi and Hassan Al Aradi.
Trade unions at Asry and Haji Hassan Al A’ali Group were awarded plaques for being the best labour unions.
Mr Humaidan thanked all the loyal workers and visionary employers who are contributing to the economic and labour market growth in the kingdom.
He also praised the King for pardoning 1,584 convicts, adding that this was an opportunity for those individuals to start a new chapter in their lives, and reintegrate into society.
“Those pardoned are set to receive benefits and jobs to help them reintegrate into society.
“This comes as the government pushes ahead with new job opportunities, wage support programmes and training schemes for Bahrainis, while also providing backup to enterprises.
“This wouldn’t have been possible without the fruitful co-operation between all governmental and private bodies concerned, the faith of our partners and their serious and sincere co-operation in achieving growth in national employment rates.”
GFBTU secretary general Abdulqadir Al Shehabi, also speaking on the occasion, said International Workers’ Day continues to be a precious occasion for all workers.
“I congratulate all our hard-working honourees as they have proven their sincerity and dedication to work and they fully deserve this recognition as we applaud their efforts and call on all other workers to follow their example in diligence, effort and giving,” he added.
“We would like to express our gratitude to the King for patronising this annual tradition in appreciation of the contributions and sacrifices of Bahraini workers and their great role in the economic renaissance of our beloved country.”
Mr Al Shehabi said the ceremony was organised a few days early because of the Arab Labour Conference which is set to be held in Baghdad from Saturday to May 4.
He also praised the King’s initiative to provide jobs with decent pay for the pardoned convicts.
He pointed out that the best way to rationalise government spending was to cut down administrative posts rather than privatise services.
According to the GFBTU, 150,000 Bahrainis were working in both the public and private sectors, with the Indian workers numbering at 230,000.
Meanwhile, Bahrain Chamber chairman Sameer Nass said economic growth in Bahrain continued despite challenges.
“We can withstand any challenge together as employers, employees and the Labour Ministry; positive growth has continued because we worked together and together we will continue to push with desirable outcomes.”
He wished Sonya Janahi success as she assumes her role in the International Labour Organisation.
Kindergarten children performed a musical operetta in Arabic and English entitled Hope.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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