A proposed amendment to Bahrain’s Civil Service Law, which seeks to reduce working hours and increase annual leave for employees aged 50 and above, is set to be debated at the Upper House ... despite concerns raised by a key panel.
The legislative and legal affairs committee has recommended rejection citing constitutional, financial and administrative concerns.
The panel, chaired by Dalal Al Zayed, concluded that the draft law would undermine equality among public sector employees, disrupt government services and place additional strain on the state budget, while conflicting with the legislative philosophy underpinning the civil service system.
Under the bill, initially submitted by MPs, employees who reach 50 would work one hour less per day, rising to a two-hour reduction at 55 and three hours at 60. At the same time, annual leave entitlements would increase from the current 30 working days to 35 days at age 50, 40 days at 55 and 45 days at 60.
The amendments would replace Articles 19 and 20 of the 2010 Civil Service Law.
Ms Al Zayed said the proposal conflicted with constitutional principles governing public employment.
“Public office is a national service governed by uniform legal standards,” Ms Al Zayed said.
“Any legislative intervention that fragments working hours and leave entitlements based solely on age, despite identical job responsibilities, violates the principle of equality before the law.”
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