The agreement was signed in the presence of Gulf Air Chief Executive Officer Mr. Samer Majali, the Supervisor of Union Affairs at the Ministry of Labour Mr. Abdulkarim Al Fardan, the Deputy Secretary General of the General Federation of Bahrain Workers Trade Unions Mr. Ibrahim Hamad and board members of the Gulf Air Trade Union.

Gulf Air CEO, Mr. Samer Majali commented, “The signing of this agreement is a positive step forward in the relationship between GATU and Gulf Air management helping establish a solid platform for future negotiations. Employees are the company’s main asset and we recognise the importance of working with the GATU to find common solutions that benefit both the airline and its employees.”

Mr. Ibrahim Hamad spoke on behalf of the General Union claiming, “Real decision-making partnerships are achieved through on-going dialogue and negotiations. Today’s agreement underlines the importance of constructive dialogue and I am sure it will benefit both the airline and its employees as the company moves forward with its new strategy to create a sustainable airline for the Kingdom of Bahrain”.

Mr. Abdul Karim Al-Fardan confirmed that the Ministry of Labour supported the signing of the Collective Bargaining Agreement and saw it as a positive step forward for the labour movement and the national economy of the Kingdom of Bahrain.

The President of GATU Mr. Mustafa Al Touq added “ I am proud of this achievement and look forward to working closely with the management at Gulf Air as the airline begins the implementation of its new strategy. I would like to commend His Excellency the Minister of Labor Dr. Majeed Al Alawi, his team and members of the General Federation of Bahrain Workers Trade Unions, for their outstanding role in supporting the labor movement in Bahrain.

Mr. Ahmed Al Banna Director of Human Resources signed the agreement on behalf of Gulf Air’s management along with the GATU President Mr. Mustafa Al Touq.

(c) Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation. Date posted: 08-Feb-10