The BWI issues its deep support for members of the General Federation of Bahrain Trade Unions (GBFTU), who have been subjected to the arbitrary deprivation of the freedom of movement. On 3 June 2017, members of the GBFTU were stopped from leaving the Bahrain International Airport, surprised to find that a prohibition had been placed on their departure. They were on their way to the International Labour Conference (ILC) in Geneva.
“We are deeply concerned and shocked by the ban that has been placed on the departure of the head of the GFBTU from leaving Bahrain”, said BWI General Secretary Ambet Yuson. “The GBFTU has played an active role in raising labour standards in Bahrain, and demonstrating leadership in the MENA region.”
“GFBTU officials have always worked to democratically organise workers in accordance with the rules and recommendations of the Bahraini Ministry of Labour. All members’ names are enlisted according to national regulations. The decision to arbitrarily deprive the GFBTU of their freedom of movement was implemented without warning and without justifiable explanation.
“We will stand by the leadership of the GFBTU in their fight to throw off this ban and continue to improve labour standards in Bahrain. At the same time, we demand that the Government of Bahrain immediately revoke this ban and issue a formal apology.”