Bahrain: ITUC Demands End to Anti-Union Repression

Bahrain: ITUC Demands End to Anti-Union Repression

Brussels, 7 April 2011 (ITUC OnLine): In a letter to King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain, the ITUC has demanded an immediate end to the anti-union repression campaign being waged by the authorities, the reinstatement of some 1,300 workers who have been sacked by various enterprises on the instructions of the government, and the withdrawal of all legal actions being undertaken against workers who have participated in trade union activities in the strife-torn Gulf state in recent weeks.

"The Baharaini authorities seem to be intent on destroying the country's trade union movement, as a central part of a campaign of revenge against those who took part in peaceful demonstrations and strike actions in protest at the killing and maiming of innocent people by Bahrain's security forces with the support of foreign troops. The ITUC, our Global Unions partners and national affiliates across the world will be intensifying our action to convince the country's rulers to stop repression and start genuine dialogue with the national trade union centre GFBTU. Bahrain's economy is already sliding badly, and if the government continues this repression, it will be responsible for even further damage to the country's economy and international reputation," said ITUC General Secretary Sharan Burrow.

ENDS

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