Around 2000 workers were sacked from their jobs in relation to the mass pro-democracy protests that began in February of last year. Some have been reinstated, but many of those have been forced to accept worse conditions and have not been fully reimbursed for their loss of work.

Workers at Bahrain’s controversial Formula 1 circuit were allowed to return to work but many chose to stay out until they receive full compensation. Present at the demonstration were some of the 20 Doctors facing between 5 and 15 years in prison for treating injured protesters. As well the false charges, the medics have also been sacked from their jobs and refused licenses to set up private practices, leaving them unable to work for nearly one year.

The protest takes place as representatives from the International Labour Organisation visit Bahrain, prompting authorities to deny a permit for the protest. Another sit-in was due to take place on 2 March.

The trade union department of Al Wefaq, Bahrain’s main opposition party, blamed the Authorities for the delay in returning all workers to their jobs and called on the Government to reinstate all workers in accordance with the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry. “Three months have passed since the report of the Independent Commission and the dismissals file is still without a complete, comprehensive and just solution.”