Workers protest over 'anti-union tactics'
MORE than 40 Bahrain Cinema Company employees demonstrated against what they claim are unfair tactics by the company to discourage union activities.
They gathered outside the Labour Ministry at around 9am and carried banners calling on minister Dr Majeed Al Alawi to intervene - claiming their livelihoods were being threatened because they are trying to form a union.
One former employee, Jalal Kadhem, has already filed a formal complaint with the ministry for unfair dismissal.
His colleague Ebrahim Jaffer took over his position as president of the union preparatory committee after the sacking.
"We would like Dr Al Alawi and the board of the company to step in and stop this unfair behaviour by the company's management," said Mr Jaffer. We are only trying to get our right to form a union."
Mr Jaffer said that a strike might be considered some time down the line.
"We will also be announcing a date for our first general assembly, during which we will vote in board members," he said.
Both men claim they were demoted by the company, resulting in a reduction in their salaries, after management learned of plans to form a union. Other employees also claim that they were treated badly for their involvement.
"Only Jalal was fired because he was the one who took charge of the matter and started rallying the other workers," said Mr Jaffer.
Before his sacking, Mr Kadhem was transferred from Seef Cineplex, where he was a senior supervisor, to Awal Cinema - causing him to lose his mobile phone and overtime benefits worth about BD200 a month before being sacked.
Meanwhile, Mr Jaffer claimed he was demoted from driver to security guard, costing him about B100 a month in benefits.
Both men say they have families to feed and financial obligations that they cannot meet due to the unexpected drop in income.
Mr Jaffer is not married, but supports other family members and Mr Kadhem has a wife and a daughter.
A company spokeswoman earlier issued a statement saying that all steps taken by the Bahrain Cinema Company were in accordance with the law.
The spokeswoman yesterday said the company had nothing more to add.
Gulf Daily New, 5th October 2006
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