Bahrain's labour, social progress highlighted

Manama, Feb. 13 (BNA): Labour and Social Development Minister Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, Board Chairman of the Labour Regulatory Authority (LMRA) on Wednesday received Ambassador of the United States to Bahrain, Justin Hicks Siberell. They discussed cooperation aspects especially under the Free Trade Agreement signed between the two friendly countries. They also reviewed Bahrain’s progress concerning labour market, citizens’ welfare and social protection as part of government efforts to achieve sustainable development goals. The minister praised the continuously growing and deep-rooted bilateral ties, citing the US rich experience in development of labour regulations and social protection. Humaidan affirmed the Government of Bahrain’s supporting the labour rights free trade association as well as boosting the principles of community dialogue and partnership. He pointed out that Bahrain has continuously developed national legislations in the field of labour and social development in accordance with international conventions and standards primarily to preserve workers’ rights and free trade association. The ministry has continuously supported the provision of suitable jobs for the citizens and suitable workplace environment as well as high productivity. The ambassador expressed his appreciation of the Kingdom’s advanced regulations aimed to ensure workers rights and their protection as per international labour standards. He noted the ongoing social dialogue between the partners of production. He commended the recent amending of some provisions of the Labour Law 36/2012 for the Private Sector, which incriminates sexual harassment and prohibits any discrimination against workers because of their gender, language, ethnic origin or religious belief and other modifications including humanitarian and ethical dimensions aimed to boost the foundations of the individual and collective human rights.