Hunger strike worker set for court battle

[TrueBlueTerrier]

http://www.gulf-daily-news.com/Story.as ... ueID=30287

A BAHRAINI postal worker, who went on a five-day hunger strike after he was suspended last month, filed a case yesterday against his department for the "restoration of honour". Postal Workers Union chairman Jamal Ateeq said he was greatly hurt with the way he has been treated by the Postal Department for his allegedly anti-government activities.

"I do not want any compensation from the court," he told the GDN after filing the case at the Lower Civil Court.

"All I want is that the court should clear my name and say I was not wrong."

Mr Ateeq was suspended for five days for allegedly spearheading a petition earlier this year calling for a minimum wage of BD300 and other benefits for government employees.

"What I have done is not illegal," he said.

"I have only stood up for the rights of the workers and deserve to be treated fairly."

He said he has been painted a villain and the suspension has been a "blot" on his 30 years of illustrious and non-controversial career.

More than 30,000 people had reportedly signed the petition, which also demanded better working conditions and more perks and services, including rights to loans and health insurance.

The petition was formally launched on February 24 and organisers claimed some employees were earning BD150 a month, demanding a BD200 minimum wage.


BD150 = £201.09

[norbet colon]

http://www.gulf-daily-news.com/Story.as ... ueID=30287

A BAHRAINI postal worker, who went on a five-day hunger strike after he was suspended last month, filed a case yesterday against his department for the "restoration of honour". Postal Workers Union chairman Jamal Ateeq said he was greatly hurt with the way he has been treated by the Postal Department for his allegedly anti-government activities.

"I do not want any compensation from the court," he told the GDN after filing the case at the Lower Civil Court.

"All I want is that the court should clear my name and say I was not wrong."

Mr Ateeq was suspended for five days for allegedly spearheading a petition earlier this year calling for a minimum wage of BD300 and other benefits for government employees.

"What I have done is not illegal," he said.

"I have only stood up for the rights of the workers and deserve to be treated fairly."

He said he has been painted a villain and the suspension has been a "blot" on his 30 years of illustrious and non-controversial career.

More than 30,000 people had reportedly signed the petition, which also demanded better working conditions and more perks and services, including rights to loans and health insurance.

The petition was formally launched on February 24 and organisers claimed some employees were earning BD150 a month, demanding a BD200 minimum wage.


BD150 = £201.09

Send Leighton & Crozier over there to "turn things round " with his Senior Managers . Give them a week and we'll be reading about a civil war, riots and disturbances in the country in the papers .