Report of the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry

Report of the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry
called on teachers to return to work on 24 February and advised the Ministry
of Education (MoE) not to retaliate against teachers who had participated in
the strike. The statement noted that the BTS would continue organising
demonstrations outside school hours.
1343. On 24 February 2011, dozens of employees of the MMAUP marched
to the GCC Roundabout calling for the formation of a union.
1344. On 27 February 2011, the BTS issued a statement criticising what it
regarded as retaliation against teachers who had participated in the teachers’
strike. In its statement, the BTS called for a withdrawal of volunteers from
schools, an apology from the Minister of Education for the treatment of
teachers, the suspension of all legal actions pursued against teachers and an
affirmation from the MoE to ensure the safety of teachers and students.
1345. On 28 February 2011, the GFBTU issued a statement in support of
the socio-economic and political demands of the demonstrators. The
statement also urged officials not to take measures that would exacerbate the
situation, in particular by terminating the contracts of employees participating
in demonstrations.
1346. On 2 March 2011, the BTS called for a peaceful demonstration in
front of the MoE building in order to condemn the MoE’s treatment of
teachers and students and to demand the resignation of the Minister of
Education. On 10 March, the BTS called for another demonstration
demanding the resignation of the Minister of Education.
1347. On 13 March 2011, following continued reports of violence by
security forces, the GFBTU called for another general strike beginning 14
March. The GFBTU stated that the purpose of the strike was to protest the
excessive use of force by security forces against demonstrators during the
events of February/March, as well as to voice general socio-economic
grievances affecting the workforce. 673 The Arab Shipbuilding and Repair
Yard (ASRY) Trade Union confirmed its participation in the general strike
called for by the GFBTU. 674 In addition, the BTS affirmed its support for the
strike and called upon teachers to participate.
1348. On 14 March, the Trade Union of BAPCO Employees issued a letter
to the Board of Directors of BAPCO complaining that employees had been
subjected to beatings and property damage during their commutes to and from
work. The union argued that the company was responsible for ensuring the
safety of its employees. 675
1349. On 20 March 2011, the GFBTU issued a statement calling on workers
to continue strikes in order to protest adverse treatment of workers by security
673 Statement by the GFBTU, 13 March 2011.
674 Statement by the ASRY Trade Union, 13 March 2011.
675 Letter from the Trade Union of BAPCO Employees to the Board of Directors of BAPCO,
14 March 2011.
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