Bahrain: Authorities Intervene as Unpaid Wage Woes Spark Protests in Sitra
Hundreds of workers staged a protest yesterday at a prominent construction company in the Kingdom, demanding immediate payment of their pending wages in Sitra. The situation escalated as police intervened and removed the protesters from the location. The workers were advised by the police officers to file complaints against the company before being taken to the station.
The protest saw the participation of over 340 workers who claimed non-payment of salaries for the past five months. According to reports, some of the workers expressed their dire circumstances, stating that they are facing extreme difficulties in meeting basic needs like food and water due to the outstanding wage issue. They shared that they have been relentlessly pursuing the payment for the past five months, either in full or with permission to resign and leave the country.
It was learned that a majority of the striking workers have been associated with the company for over 20 years. One protesting worker, a Pakistani national, revealed that he had not received wages from January to April. He mentioned that some workers have already quit their jobs, “but are still waiting for their pay.” Furthermore, the company also allegedly denied vacation requests made by employees. The worker claimed that they had reported the issue to the police a few weeks ago, but no action was taken.
Following yesterday’s incident, the police escorted five or six workers to the station and registered their complaints, according to the worker’s account. Police officers have promised a response in a week. He further said the Pakistani embassy has also stepped in to assist. “They have asked us to email all the issues and the names of the affected workers.” Similarly, the embassies of India and Bangladesh have taken action after receiving complaints from their nationals.
In addition, a complaint was lodged at the labour court yesterday. “We hope to get a response in the upcoming week,” he said. The protesting workers, however, acknowledged the support received from government officials but emphasised the need for a prompt resolution to this issue.
