Latest news with #GeneralFederationofBahrainTradeUnions
Daily Tribune
2 days ago
- Health
- Daily Tribune
General Federation of Bahrain Trade Unions calls for action: Clean the planet, protect the poor
' Plastic waste is killing us, and the poor are hit hardest.' That was the message from Bahrain's main trade union body on World Environment Day, as it called for action on pollution and job security in the face of environmental decline. The General Federation of Bahrain Trade Unions said working-class areas face the worst of plastic pollution while being left out of decisions on how to deal with it. In a statement marking 5 June, it urged both the government and employers to take greater responsibility for workplace safety and environmental protection. 'Working-class communities and densely populated neighbourhoods are often the most exposed to pollution, amid weak environmental oversight and inadequate infrastructure,' it said. Warning The union drew a direct link between environmental degradation and social inequality, warning that any move towards greener industries must also provide secure jobs and proper training. 'The environmental challenges facing humanity cannot be tackled without a holistic approach that balances ecological security with social rights.' Plastic, it added, has become a danger to public health. Figures The statement cited figures from the United Nations Environment Programme estimating that more than 430 million tonnes of plastic are produced each year, half of it intended for single use. At least 11 million tonnes are dumped into the seas annually. Microplastic particles have been found in human blood, the air, drinking water and foetal tissue. The union said the move to cleaner sectors must not come at the expense of workers. It called for support in the form of retraining, job security and stricter rules around plastic use and disposal. Policies 'We reject environmental policies that are imposed at the expense of the working class, or that are used to justify austerity or privatisation of public services,' the statement read. It called for national legislation to combat plastic pollution and protect health and safety at work. 'We call on employers and the government to shoulder their environmental and social responsibilities, develop strict national legislation to combat plastic pollution and ensure safe and healthy working environments.' Coordination The statement closed with a call for coordination among labour organisations across the region and beyond. 'We urge all unions and labour federations in the Arab region and beyond to act jointly to build a united front for climate action and decent work, and to defend our shared right to live in a clean environment, work in healthy conditions and help shape a sustainable future.' It ended with a line that summed up the call: 'For a healthy environment, social justice and a dignified future for every worker.'
Daily Tribune
02-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Tribune
Bahrain marks Labour Day with tribute to workforce
bahrain Under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, Bahrain marked International Labour Day. The General Federation of Bahrain Trade Unions and the Bahrain Free Labour Unions Federation each held celebratory events. The events were attended by His Excellency Yousif bin Abdulhussain Khalaf, Minister of Legal Affairs and Acting Minister of Labour, and Fayez Ali Al Mutairi, Director General of the Arab Labour Organisation. Khalaf conveyed the greetings of HM the King and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, highlighting workers' central role in economic growth and labour market stability. He noted Bahrain's commitment to advancing social dialogue, adapting to technological change, and enhancing workforce skills. The Minister also highlighted recent initiatives, particularly the National Labour Market Plan (2023–2026) and updated legislation aligned with international standards to support productivity and job sustainability.
Daily Tribune
01-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Tribune
Bahrain reinforces commitment to balancing technology and job sustainability
TDT | Manama Workers were honoured yesterday as Bahrain marked Labour Day with a focus on preparing for the changes artificial intelligence and automation are bringing to the world of work. The country's two main union federations, the General Federation of Bahrain Trade Unions and the Bahrain Free Labour Unions Federation, held separate ceremonies under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. Ministers, MPs, business leaders and delegates from the Arab Labour Organisation were in attendance. Contributions A number of workers from different sectors were honoured for their contributions. The Minister of Legal Affairs and Acting Minister of Labour, His Excellence Yousif bin Abdulhussain Khalaf, addressed both gatherings, opening with messages of thanks from HM the King and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister. He praised the kingdom's workforce for keeping the economy running and acknowledged the pressure brought by fast-moving change. Speaking at the Free Labour Unions Federation's event at the Gulf Hotel, the minister said the government was keeping a close watch on the effects of artificial intelligence. The technology, he said, was already shaping how people are hired, trained and managed. Rather than resist these shifts, Bahrain intends to prepare. Khalaf said new policies and laws were being drawn up to keep the labour market steady while encouraging the wise use of new tools. Goal The goal, he said, was to help workers adapt while holding on to stable jobs. He named the 2023-2026 National Labour Market Plan as a central part of this effort. The plan aims to steer the economy towards knowledge-led sectors, bring in longterm investment and open the door for more Bahrainis to enter the workforce. He added that recent changes to labour law had been shaped to meet global standards and to ensure workplaces remain fair and clear for all. Dialogue He called for honest dialogue between government, employers and workers. No single side, he said, can deal with the pace of change alone.
