The Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) on Tuesday defended the punitive measures taken against employees who allegedly tried to cripple the private sector companies, causing massive economic losses.
“The affected private companies have taken measures in line with Bahraini laws and regulations”, Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry first deputy Chairman Ibrahim Mohammed Ali Zainal said.
He made the comment as he met at Beit Al-Tejjar Arab Labour Organisation director-general Ahmed Mohammed Loqman, in the presence of BCCI and ALO senior officials.
“The BCCI appealed to the General Federation of Bahrain Trade Unions to adopt responsible and rational behavior and call off strikes during the crisis but they never heeded to the BCCI calls”, he said.
He cited calls and pleas from businessmen, particularly owners of medium and small businesses, beseeching the chamber to help avert the strike, as it would wreak havoc on their interests.
“Private companies decided layoffs of some of their employees following the absenteeism due the unrest, which had also caused a sharp drop in productivity”, Zainal said.
He pointed out the ordeals of private companies which failed to meet their commitments due to the absenteeism of some employees, who failed to report to work for ten consecutive days, thus flouting rules and regulations. Private companies have honoured dedicated employees who committed to rules and regulations and reported to work, even at the height of the crisis which gripped Bahrain.
Zainal affirmed the chamber’s interest to abide by Arab and international criteria, pledge to continue reform policies towards bolstering labour march and social dialogue. Meanwhile, Loqman expressed satisfaction as security and stability are back in Bahrain, calling on the private sector to play a pivotal role in calming the tense situation and taking into account the difficult juncture the country is going through.