Effect given to the recommendations of the committee and the Governing Body - Report No 323, November 2000

Effect given to the recommendations of the Committee and the Governing Body

1. 25. The Committee last examined this case at its meeting in March 2000 when it once again urged the Government to take the necessary measures to bring its legislation, in particular Orders Nos. 9 and 10 of 1981, into line with the principles of freedom of association so that workers' right to organize freely is effectively guaranteed [see 320th Report, paras. 22-24].
2. 26. In a communication dated 21 August 2000, the Government once again states that Labour Law No. 23 of 1976 and Ministerial Orders Nos. 9 and 10 of 1981 guarantee workers' rights and freedoms, through the framework of the General Committee for Bahrain Workers. The Government adds that this type of organization is also in conformity with the economic and social conditions and practices of the country where expatriate workers represent 60 per cent of the total workforce. Finally, the Government states that it is in the process of reviewing the Labour Law in the light of social and economic changes, at both the national and international levels, inspired by Arab and international labour standards taking into account the observations of the ILO Committee on Freedom of Association.
3. 27. The Committee notes this information, in particular the Government's review of the Labour Law taking into account the Committee's recommendations. In this respect, the Committee recalls that the technical assistance of the Office is available should the Government so desire. It requests the Government to keep it informed of all measures taken or envisaged to amend the legislation so as to ensure that the right of workers to organize freely is effectively guaranteed.