General Federation of Bahrain Trade Unions calls for action: Clean the planet, protect the poor

TDT | Manama

Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com

“ Plastic waste is killing us, and the poor are hit hardest.”

That was the message from Bahrain’s main trade union body on World Environment Day, as it called for action on pollution and job security in the face of environmental decline.

The General Federation of Bahrain Trade Unions said working-class areas face the worst of plastic pollution while being left out of decisions on how to deal with it.

In a statement marking 5 June, it urged both the government and employers to take greater responsibility for workplace safety and environmental protection.

“Working-class communities and densely populated neighbourhoods are often the most exposed to pollution, amid weak environmental oversight and inadequate infrastructure,” it said.

Warning

The union drew a direct link between environmental degradation and social inequality, warning that any move towards greener industries must also provide secure jobs and proper training.

“The environmental challenges facing humanity cannot be tackled without a holistic approach that balances ecological security with social rights.”

Plastic, it added, has become a danger to public health.

Figures

The statement cited figures from the United Nations Environment Programme estimating that more than 430 million tonnes of plastic are produced each year, half of it intended for single use.

At least 11 million tonnes are dumped into the seas annually. Microplastic particles have been found in human blood, the air, drinking water and foetal tissue.

The union said the move to cleaner sectors must not come at the expense of workers.

It called for support in the form of retraining, job security and stricter rules around plastic use and disposal.

Policies

“We reject environmental policies that are imposed at the expense of the working class, or that are used to justify austerity or privatisation of public services,” the statement read.

It called for national legislation to combat plastic pollution and protect health and safety at work.

“We call on employers and the government to shoulder their environmental and social responsibilities, develop strict national legislation to combat plastic pollution and ensure safe and healthy working environments.”

Coordination

The statement closed with a call for coordination among labour organisations across the region and beyond.

“We urge all unions and labour federations in the Arab region and beyond to act jointly to build a united front for climate action and decent work, and to defend our shared right to live in a clean environment, work in healthy conditions and help shape a sustainable future.”

It ended with a line that summed up the call: “For a healthy environment, social justice and a dignified future for every worker.”