Bahrain trade unionists have agreed to continue with a week-old national strike indefinitely, Gulf Daily News reports.
The decision was taken yesterday during an urgent meeting of the General Federation of Bahrain Trade Unions, an umbrella organisation that oversees most union activity. Members said they would return to work when security was eased and police checkpoints were removed from the streets.
The Federation first called a general strike for February 20 after the Bahraini military was deployed on the streets following a week of protests, but it was called off the same day after the tanks were pulled out. The current strike was called at the start of last week in solidarity with protesters, but the decision has more to do with the current security crackdown.
The GFBTU has communicated its decision to continue with the strike to 69 trade unions, including those at Bapco, Batelco, Bahrain Airport Company and Gulf Air. The organisation is affiliated with a seven-party coalition of opposition politicians, who have so far refused to enter a national dialogue until certain conditions are met.
Meanwhile the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office is still advising against all travel to Bahrain until further notice and those without a pressing reason to remain should leave. (Updated 22/03/11 @ 12:17pm) From City Alerts
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