69 Active Trade Unions in Bahrain

In 2010, the number of trade unions under the umbrella of the General Federation of Bahraini Trade Unions (GFBTU) has reached 69 unions, 11 of which had joined the GFBTU during its first session in 2004. The rest had joined during its second session in 2008, and five trade unions ceased their activities.

Jaafar Khaleel, spokesperson of GFBTU, said that the second session was the most productive because the demands of the unions were met and their numbers had increased.

With regards to the number of active trade unions, Khaleel said that: “the number of strong and active trade unions is not small, and that other small trade unions are trying to reach the same level as the active ones. Many trade unions have achieved notable achievements since their establishment.