Speaker Ahmed bin Salman Al Musallam and a government team led by Shaikh Khalid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Deputy Prime Minister, held a meeting to review the latest updates on reinstating Gulf Air Group Holding (GFG) employees, who were affected by the decision of merging and restructuring departments.
The Speaker affirmed that Bahrain, under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, and the support of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, has always considered preserving the rights of Bahraini employees as a national priority that is emphasised by the National Action Charter and the Constitution.
He commended the government’s response to the council regarding the dismissal of employees of the GFG, by holding the meeting to discuss options available to them. He also valued the government’s efforts in remedying the situation, affirming the importance of holding those behind the decision accountable and guaranteeing that such incidents would not reoccur in public and private sector institutions.
The speaker underlined the importance of cooperation between the legislative and executive branches to ensure the rights of Bahraini employees and further develop opportunities for Bahrainis in the labour market.
The Deputy Prime Minister said that HRH the Prime Minister had instructed to hold this meeting with the Council of Representatives, which demonstrates the adherence to the principles of transparency, integration, and compatibility in working with the legislative branch.
He expressed the government’s pride in the Bahraini workforce, including GFG staff, and its appreciation for their efforts as an integral part of Team Bahrain.
The deputy prime minister added that arrangements for reinstating the employees were made in accordance with legal and administrative procedures regulating the relationship between employees and employers. He added that legal and administrative measures will be taken to verify internal measures taken.
Shaikh Khalid said that the government, represented by the Labour Ministry, has worked on reaching settlements that ensure the stability of the employees, the majority of whom expressed their acceptance of the available options to protect their rights.
He thanked the Speaker and the members of the Council of Representatives for their efforts, affirming the commitment of the government, as directed by His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, to continue cooperation with the council to serve the interests of Bahrain and its citizens.
Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, Minister of Labour, briefed the attendees on the solutions provided to 22 out of 24 employees according to options approved by the ministry and the company.
The minister said that the options offered to the employees included providing alternative job opportunities in GFG subsidiaries with the same salaries and benefits, retirement packages to those whose years of service entitle them to retirement, or suitable end-of-service packages for those who opt for that.
The GFG Company was established in 2010 and it includes Gulf Air, the national carrier, the Gulf Aviation Academy (GAA), and the Bahrain Airport Company (BAC).
Source: Bahrain News Agency