Bahrain: DHL workers call off strike

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The DHL union has called off a strike after the company yesterday agreed to workers' demands for better allowances and benefits.

This marks the resolution of a months-long stalemate between DHLs management and the union that was to culminate in an indefinite strike that was to begin yesterday.

The agreement was reached following intervention from the General Federation of Bahrain Trade Unions (GFBTU) which backed the workers' demands and negotiated with the management.

GFBTU head Salman Mahfoodh explained to Bahrain Tribune that according to the agreement, workers will be given a heat allowance for the three months of summer, will receive transport and shift allowances, and will benefit from a new insurance scheme.

"The collective bargaining of the union members and cooperation with the company helped us reach a mutual agreement and prevent the strike," Mahfoodh stated, adding that the allowances and other benefits will be provided by the company as from next month.

"We are happy that the management has fulfilled our demands and agreed with the union to provide special allowances for the staff," Mohammed Isa, a member of the DHL Union told the Tribune yesterday.

The unionist stated they intended to stick to their initial plan and go on an indefinite strike yesterday if their demands were not met.

"I think the company realised late that if over 400 employees go on strike it would affect them. The unity of the workers and the backing by the GFBTU helped us resolve the issue and we vow to continue fighting for workers' rights," Isa stated.

Last month, the DHL Union official told the Tribune that a letter had been sent to the management stating the workers' intention to go on strike if their demands were not met. The letter demanded a 15 per cent hike in their salaries, better allowances and working conditions.

Last year, Minister of Labour Dr. Majeed Al Alawi met with senior officials from DHL Express' Middle East operations to discuss ways of developing the national workforce at the company and fostering dialogue between the board of directors and the staff. The meeting also touched upon conflicts between the company's drivers and the management.

Bahrain is home to DHL Express' Middle East operations which won two awards from the Ministry of Labour in 2007 for its efforts to employ more Bahraini workers.