Parliament to Discuss Mandatory Seating for Female Workers on Tuesday

The Bahrain House of Representatives is scheduled to debate a draft law on Tuesday that seeks to make the provision of seating for female workers mandatory in all workplaces. The proposal, submitted by MP Hanan Fardan, aims to improve working conditions, support women's health by mitigating the effects of prolonged standing, and enhance overall productivity.

The initiative, which proposes an amendment to the Labour Law in the Private Sector, has generated contrasting responses from key national entities. The Ministry of Labour has formally stated that the proposal does not address a legislative shortfall, noting that existing laws already ensure a safe working environment and that comprehensive provisions related to employing women are in place. The Ministry and the Supreme Council for Women (SCW) contend that requirements for seating and other comfort measures are administrative matters covered by Article 166 on occupational safety and can be regulated through ministerial decisions without amending the primary legislation.

This view is supported by the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI), which expressed preference for maintaining the current legal framework. The BCCI stressed that the existing legislation offers sufficient protection for working women and cautioned against imposing additional statutory obligations that could present implementation challenges for the business sector. In contrast, the General Federation of Bahrain Trade Unions and the Bahrain Free Labour Unions Federation have voiced strong support for the amendment.