Bahrain’s His Majesty King Hamad yesterday (October 9) issued a decree amending provisions of the Trade Union Act.

Any two unions or those of similar ones may establish a trade union among themselves.

The establishment of this union and joining it will be after the approval of the majority of members of the general assembly of the trade union.

The trade union, which would be declared by the minister concerned, will represent workers in international forums and collective negotiations with employers and their organisations in the kingdom.

Article 10 stipulates that the establishment of the union must not be based on religious or ethnic considerations and workers covered by Civil Service can join it. This will apply to workers in any establishment or a particular sector or specific activity.

Those found responsible of violating laws that led to dissolution of trade union are banned from nominating themselves for new membership of the board of directors before expiry of five years from the date of the issuance of a decision or a final judicial ruling on this dissolution.

His Majesty also issued a decree on controlling entitlement of salaries and benefits of staff at government bodies and institutions.

The provisions of salaries and related benefits will be in accordance with laws and regulations of the Civil Service.

Staff will remain in government entities until the end of their service in accordance with the law or contracts concluded with them.

Any provision that contradicts the provisions of this law will be cancelled.

His Majesty issued a decree defining allocations of the Shura Council chairman and his two deputies. The Shura Council and parliament chairmen enjoy the same bonuses, allowances and other financial benefits given to ministers.

The Shura Council and parliament vice-chairmen will be given an allowance of BD1,200 ($3,180) per month and another social allowance of BD300 per month.

They will be given BD750 as transportation allowance and in case they are travelling to represent the kingdom in international events, they will be granted allocations same as those given to under-secretaries.

Any provision contradicting these provisions will be cancelled. – TradeArabia News Service