Bahrain, committed to international labour standards

Labour Minister Jamil Humaidan, who is leading Bahrain's delegation to the 101 session of the International Labour Conference held in Geneva from May 30 to June 14, said "Bahrain has become more hopeful and confident that the repercussions of last year's regrettable incidents have shrunk to the maximum." Speaking before the current session's chairman, Heads of the participating delegations and Director General of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Juan Somavia, he went on to say that Bahrain is close to close the file of laid off workers in connection with the incidents thanks to a strong resolve to expedite steps to tackle the issue and work collaboratively to boost confidence in all production places and promote values of national work so as to achieve sustainable development. "The kingdom's celebration of the International Workers Day last May under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the massive and remarkable popular participation reflected the extent of harmony and a keen desire for cooperation," he added, pointing out that Bahrain had witnessed over the past period numerous positive developments in terms of labour and trade union activities. He also stressed that the kingdom's experience had shown how cooperation among the three production sides is a focal point to tackle any repercussions, problems or hard circumstances the country may undergo. He reiterated resolve to achieve more solidarity and cooperation to boost confidence and cohesion among the social partners in order to promote gains and remedy shortcomings. The Labour Minister underscored the efforts made to restore the vital role of trade unionism, remove obstacles to it and maintain the labour market's capability to generate new job opportunities for jobseekers. "Bahrain has always been and will remain committed to international labour standards," he said voicing the kingdom's resolve to continue its labour initiatives which received international praise and appreciation and set a model in combating discrimination at work.