Bahrain Union Congress Successful, Despite Government Hostility

The General Federation of Bahrain Trade Unions (GFBTU) successfully concluded its Congress on 1 October, in spite of an ongoing government campaign of repression and vilification of the national trade union centre.

A total of 23 international observers, including representatives of the ILO and trade unions from the Arab region and elsewhere, were denied entry visas by the government.

“We congratulate the GFBTU for its successful Congress, despite the heavy-handed government harassment against the Federation. Strong trade unions, capable of representing working people even when the authorities try to repress them, are an essential part of any decent society and economy. We are proud of the GFBTU, and trade unions from the region and across the world will continue to support them in their struggle,” said ITUC General Secretary Sharan Burrow.

The ITUC is planning to send a high-level international union delegation to Bahrain in the near future, and will keep up the pressure on the government to end its anti-union campaign.

For further information, please contact the ITUC Press Department on: +32 2 224 0204 or +32 476 62 10 18

Photo: www.gfbtu.org