Bahrain Mirror: Maria Helena Andre, the International Labour Organization (ILO) Director of the Bureau for Workers' Activities, attended the opening session of the third general conference of the GFBTU on Saturday (March 5, 2016) and delivered the ILO's speech.

Andre brought the warmest greetings of the ILO and its Director General, Guy Ryder, and their wish of all the best for the success of this significant work, stressing that the meeting today is a clear proof of the commitment and determination the federation has in playing fully the role in promoting decent work in the global Trade Union movement.

The ILO Director welcomed this transparent and democratic process of holding the congress.

Andre further stated that she salutes the courage shown by the GFBTU to defend and promote the values for which the ILO stands, and expressed her gratitude for the incredible work done by the trade union leaders that will step down at this congress, while at the same time wishing the best of luck to those who will be elected.

"You can count on the ILO today and in the future,"she added.

She also recalled the basis founding propositions of the ILO that lasting peace depends on social justice and said that the GFBTU, as an independent and democratic TU organization, and ILO, must join hands to advance these common values.

Maria Andre said that these things take her back to the two tripartite agreements signed by the Constituents on 2012 and 2014 regarding the issue of the dismissed workers. The ILO hopes that these agreements were respected and the dismissed workers are back to work, she stressed.

"According to 2014 agreement: all signed parties express their interests in strengthening the mutual trust and cooperation based on International Labour Standards and on the respect of the interest of each party." Andre further highlighted, adding that she encourages the tripartite constituents in this country to carry on this path.

Arabic Version