HM the King voices pride in Bahraini workers

Manama, Sep. 21 (BNA): His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa has voiced pride in the role played by Bahraini workers, praising their contributions to consolidating the comprehensive development march in the kingdom and spurring the growth of the national economy. HM the King hailed the widely-appreciated Bahraini labourers' creativity, distinction and competence at various work places. HM King Hamad affirmed that State's support to all efforts aimed at increasing the rights of Bahraini workers, given the pivotal role they are playing in the kingdom's progress and prosperity, being the main development engine and its essential artery. While receiving at the Al-Sakhir Palace today the newly-elected Secretariat-General of the General Federation of Bahrain Trade Unions (GFBTU), led by Secretary-General, Hassan Abdulla Al-Halwachi, HM the King lauded the gains and achievements attained by Bahrain's pioneering labour movement to Bahraini workers. HM King Hamad congratulated the new GFBTU's Secretariat-General members for their election, wishing them every success in enhancing the labour march in the kingdom. HM the King valued highly the outstanding efforts exerted by the GFBTU's Secretariat-General, commending the efforts of Bahraini men and women in serving their country. HM the King stressed the importance of the role played by Bahraini women at all work and production sites, praising their valuable contributions and their success to hold high leadership posts. HM the King expressed pride in all Bahrainis for their dedication in serving their nation. HM King Hamad underlined constant keenness on supporting labour trade unions and facilitating their work, being the representatives of workers. HM the King stressed the crucial role played by trade unions in defending Bahrain's interests at Arab and international labour gatherings, and highlighting achievements and successes in the labour field. HM the King commended the efforts exerted by the Labour and Social Development Ministry to train Bahraini youth and prepare them to join the labour market, praising, in this regard, the Ministry's plans and programmes to train and create job opportunities for Bahrainis. HM the King urged concerted efforts to attain more achievements for Bahrain and its workers, and enhance the kingdom's status at various labour gatherings. Labour and Social Development Minister praised HM the King's directives, and constant support to labour trade unions, affirming that HM King Hamad is the first supporter of labour rights. He stressed that HM the King had laid the foundation bases of free labour trader union work, being among the key achievements of the pioneering Reform Project. He pointed out that Bahrain's consolidation of workers' achievements, development of work environment and enactment of national legislation and laws that are consistent with the international labour standards have boosted its international status, citing the kingdom's membership in the board of the International Labour Organisation. The kingdom's milestone labour achievements are fruitful result of the directives and constant follow-up of HM the King and his government, led by His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, as well as the support of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Premier, he said. GFBTU secretary-general Hassan Abdulla Al-Halwachi extended deepest thanks and appreciation to HM the King for the audience, lauding the great achievements and multiple gains attained by Bahraini workers under the royal Reform Project. He voiced pride in HM the King's support to Bahraini workers.