Bahrain mulls "danger" pay for postmen

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Bahrain is considering giving danger pay to postmen after a doctor raised concerns they were at risk of handling hazardous substances such as anthrax, Gulf Daily News has reported.

Shoura Council member Dr Aysha Al Mubarak made the proposal on Monday during discussions about the kingdom's new postal law.

The law also would ban the posting of hazardous or flammable materials and substances, narcotics and medicines, unless authorised.

Products that are immoral, sectarian or threaten public security also would be banned under the proposed law, the newspaper said.

However, Minister of State for Parliament and Shoura Council Affairs Abdulaziz Al Fadhel appeared to pour cold water on the idea of danger pay.

"People deal with dangers in other professions and don't get danger allowances," he was quoted as saying.

"We are working on the issue at the Civil Service Bureau, so we can't single out a certain field.

"Post is X-rayed and checked by machines before going to those who deliver or handle it, so the danger is much lower than claimed."

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Danger pay for postmen plan is rejected

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AN amendment to a new postal law that would have allocated postmen danger pay over concerns that they are at risk of handling hazardous materials has been removed.

Shura Council yesterday rejected council member Dr Aysha Al Mubarak's proposal from Monday, when she suggested that an allowance should be paid over fears postmen could be exposed to substances such as anthrax.

Minister of State for Parliament and Shura Council Affairs Abdulaziz Al Fadhel told members that a decision like this should be left to the Civil Service Bureau, adding that the amendment could lead to differences with parliament and ultimately result in the law being delayed.

Shortlist

"We are already shortlisting professions that require danger allowances and this could be one - if so, it will be stated in the necessary by-laws accompanying the new postal law," he said.

Council members yesterday approved the rest of the 31-article law, but the government now has the right to contest any article before a final vote is taken.

The law is set to ban all hazardous or flammable materials and substances, narcotics and medicines from being transported in the post, unless authorised.

Products that are immoral, sectarian or threaten public security will also be banned.

Meanwhile, a short circuit in some of the Shura Council support buildings knocked out the Information Affairs Authority's AM radio broadcast of parts of the session.

However, debate in the council chamber, which is powered by its own generators, was unaffected.