Statement by AFl-CIO President Richard Trumka on the Obama Administration’s decision to resume military aid to Bahrain despite its government’s failure to improve labor and human rights record:
We strongly disagree with the Obama's Administration's decision to resume military aid to Bahrain. We join a large number of human rights groups which are deeply concerned about the continuing decline of the human rights situation in the country. The Bahraini government has failed to keep its promises to the American government to improve the administration of labor rights including eliminating widespread workplace discrimination based on religion and political belief. This is why the AFL-CIO filed a case under labor rights provisions of the U.S. Bahrain Free Trade Agreement regarding Bahrain’s failure to live up to its commitments with respect to workers’ rights. By bolstering Bahrain’s government the Obama Administration is undermining the struggle of Bahraini families in their efforts to attain same basic human rights that we cherish here in the United States including the right to associate in unions.
Contact: Gonzalo Salvador (202) 637-5018