S Asian workers on strike in Bahrain

Nearly 750 South Asian workers go on strike in Bahrain to press for better pay. Besides Indians, the workers also comprise Pakistanis and Bangladeshis.

Nearly 750 South Asian workers, a majority of them Indians, have gone on strike in Bahrain to press for better pay.

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The workers employed with Almoayyed Contracting claimed they were were paid between BD60 (Rs 6,200) and BD85 but wanted a raise due to rising inflation.

They refused to return to work till they are offered a better deal. Besides Indians, the workers comprise Pakistanis and Bangladeshis.

The company says the workers' salaries range from BD75 to BD150. "We are almost 700 workers, including masons, welders and others, at the labour camp in East Eker," a worker told the Gulf Daily News.

"Our basic salary for a month ranges from BD60 to BD85, but we want it raised to between BD100 and BD120 - that is by nearly BD40."

Another Indian said workers were feeling the pinch of inflation and the soaring value of currencies at home. "Now, with Bahrain's inflation and the Indian rupee getting stronger, we cannot even manage to send home BD20," he said.