Bahrain bus drivers strike over pay

BUS PROTEST: Drivers have gone on strike in Bahrain over pay.

Almost 50 drivers have reportedly quit from Bahrain’s main bus operator during the past two days in a protest over pay.

The 47 Bahrainis account for around two thirds of drivers at Cars Transport Corporation. They were among 52 who refused to show up for work on Monday - demanding a $212.20 increase in their salaries, according to Gulf Daily News on Wednesday.

The Labour Ministry initially branded the strike illegal and five of those who stayed away returned to work yesterday.

However, a company spokesman claimed the remainder had quit - meaning bus services across the country were disrupted for a second day.

The firm has managed to maintain a reduced frequency on all of its routes with 22 drivers who did not take part in the walkout.

The workers say they earn around US$530.60 a month, but said that did not reflect the level of their work and they want at least $212.20 more.Government officials are set to hold a meeting with Cars management at 11am today in a bid to solve the dispute.

The company is based in Isa Town and has branches in Muharraq and Manama.

Print | Email | Discuss this article |

USER COMMENTS (0 COMMENTS)

POST A COMMENT

CLICK HERE TO POST A COMMENT

Add your Comment All posts are sent to the administrator for review and are published only after approval. ArabianBusiness.com reserves the right to remove any comment at any time for any reason. Please keep your responses appropriate and on topic.
Name *
Remember me on this computer
Email *	(Your email address will not be published)
City
Country
Subject *
Comment *
Notify me of further comments
Security Code *
Please click post only once - your comment will not be published immediately.