Hundreds of Aluminium Bahrain (Alba) staff protested again outside the smelter yesterday over the alleged scrapping of an annual BD20 ($52) allowance.

They gathered for an hour from 5.30am before reporting for work, said a report in the Gulf Daily News (GDN), our sister publication.

The demonstration was organised by the Alba Labour Union against the alleged cancellation of the allowance, which it said had been paid since 2006.

It follows two similar protests last week.

"An official told the union to be careful while comparing the financial results of Alba with other companies, pointing out that the current financial results were the reason for deducting the BD20 increment," union acting chairman Ali Al Binali told the GDN.

Alba is about to embark on the construction of a sixth potline that is expected to almost double its production capacity.

The expansion is expected to cost $2.5 billion, but the company is also facing higher costs as a result of a phased gas price increase for industry that commenced on April 1.

However, Al Binali argued that the BD20 annual allowance was awarded in recognition of the workforce's efforts.

"The former chairmen were giving this allowance and the BD20 is not just a gained right, but an example that proves workers' commitment and achievements," he said.

"They went through so many struggles to obtain it.

"The executive management has to improve production methods and means to reduce costs and improve production, which will add value to the company and the workforce."

The union has announced plans to continue the weekly protest every Thursday until the allowance is reinstated.

Meanwhile, Labour Ministry assistant under-Secretary for labour affairs Dr Mohammed Al Ansari told the GDN he hoped the issue would be resolved amicably.

"The matter has not yet been reported to the ministry and we will not interfere," said Dr Al Ansari.

"We learnt that the labour union and Alba management are negotiating on the matter. We hope they resolve the issue at the earliest."

Alba management refused to comment. - TradeArabia News Service