A legal decision is pending in a pay dispute involving a leading Bahraini business group.
In response to complaints filed by employees of Jawad Business Group, a senior official from the Labour and Social Development Ministry told the GDN the case was under the jurisdiction of the Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments Ministry.
Almost 80 employees working at the group’s supermarkets claim they have not been paid for nine months, while around 60 people working in other outlets have allegedly not been paid for two to three months.
Some of the employees, who reached out to the GDN, said many of them had resigned – but were now stranded in Bahrain because their work visas were not renewed and their case was in court.
Labour and Social Development Ministry Under-Secretary Sabah Al Doseri said the issue was with authorities concerned and, until a resolution was reached, the group would not be able to conduct new business in the country.
“We have received the complaint from some of the employees, but the company owner has stated that he has no money and so the case is now with the Justice Ministry,” he told the GDN.
“This is no longer within the scope of our ministry and the legal procedure has to be taken based on the investigation by the Justice Ministry.
“As per procedure they will look into the claims of the employees and the employer, validate the assets of the company and will take a decision – definitely the employer will have to pay the employees.
“Meanwhile, the company will not be able to do any new businesses in the country nor can they hire any employees.”
Mr Al Doseri also urged affected employees to approach his ministry for a reference letter in a bid to apply for the flexible work permit or for local transfer under the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA).
Employed
He added it was his understanding that the company was reducing its operations in Bahrain.
The business group previously employed over 2,500 employees of different nationalities including Bahrainis, Indians, Bangladeshis, Filipinos, Nepalese and Pakistanis at a number of its outlets, including high street retail and dining brands.
Sources told the GDN that less than half that number are still working at its remaining outlets.
One former employee said he resigned in July based on an assurance he would receive pending wages for nine months, along with other entitlements for four years of service.
“I worked with the company for four years and resigned in July with many others because they said we will get our pending salaries and settlements once we do that,” said the Bangladeshi national.
“However, to date we didn’t get any money and now the company tells us to file a case.
“I have to receive almost BD1,500 pending salary plus my entitlements for four years.
“Many of my colleagues have complained to the Labour Ministry, LMRA and their embassies but nothing has happened.”
Bangladesh Embassy labour consul Shaikh Tahidul Islam told the GDN that around 500 Bangladeshis were employed with the group and at least 150 of them have left without receiving their pending salaries.
“The group has different sections which is why we can’t say how many people left the company,” he said.
“We estimate there are 300 to 500 workers in this group and around 150 already left with four to seven months’ salary pending.
“Many of them filed complaints at the Labour Ministry and some of them filed cases in court.
“We are trying to reach the company management and the ministry for a solution.”
Agreement
Brands such as Monsoon, Mango and Adam’s Kid ended their deals with Jawad Business Group last year.
Costa, once its flagship coffee chain in Bahrain, has entered into a new agreement with another business group.
Meanwhile, sources told the GDN that outlets of Burger King, another of the group’s franchises, would close in Bahrain today.
Jawad Business Group did not respond to GDN requests for a comment.
raji@gdn.com.bh
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