Batelco Group Human Resources General Manager Meets Ex-Employees and BTU Representatives

Batelco Group Human Resources General Manager Shaikh Ahmed Al Khalifa today (20th July) met with the group of ex-employees who have been offered new roles in Batelco or increased compensation. BTU (Batelco Trade Union) representatives also attended the meeting which was held at Batelco Staff Centre, Hamala.
A Company statement issued on Saturday, July 19th was received very positively by the public and media as well as being welcomed by the group of concerned staff and BTU. The statement explained that Batelco’s Board of Directors, in the interests of all parties involved decided to offer to reinstate the group of ex-employees and find them new roles within the organisation, as their previous jobs were obsolete. Should the ex-employees prefer not to return to work, the statement said Batelco would pay compensation to them based on the package the Arbitration Bureau had requested, in a ruling April in this year.
Shaikh Ahmed outlined the details of both options to the group of ex-employees and representatives of Batelco Trade Union at the meeting. Batelco management have agreed to allow the employees 10 days to study the options as per their request in order to give the group sufficient time to decide the best course of action for each individual.
Batelco’s Board decision also affects the group of 48 employees who previously accepted the compensation offered and left Batelco earlier in the year. They will receive any difference in payment due to them based on the newly offered increased compensation.
As previously stated, the roles held by the ex-employees are no longer required by the Company. Therefore, Batelco is currently looking for roles within the organisation to accommodate them should they choose return to work.  In all cases, any returning staff will be offered training to help them meet their new requirements.
“The way the situation has been resolved with the 40 ex-employees, will now allow Batelco and the Trade Union to manage surplus positions and will serve as the agreed framework to amicably satisfy all parties in the future,” said Batelco Board Secretary and Company Spokesman Ahmed Al Janahi.
“Batelco management has implemented the decision taken by the Board and it is now left to the employees to select the option that best serves their interests.”
“Batelco management wish the group every success for their future regardless of the path they choose,” added Mr. Al Janahi.
About Batelco
Bahrain Telecommunications Company (Batelco) is the leading integrated communications’ provider in the Kingdom of Bahrain and a significant force among the regions key telecommunications players.
Batelco serves both the corporate and consumer markets in the most liberalised and competitive environment in the Middle East, and remains committed to delivering cutting-edge telecommunications to its customers in Bahrain and the MENA region. The Company’s management and staff are driven by an enthusiasm for delivering the best customer experience based on innovation, affordability and reliability of products and services. 
Batelco offers complete, end-to-end telecommunications solutions for its residential, business and government customers. The comprehensive solutions portfolio covers mobile services, international roaming, Broadband Internet, satellite services, WiFi, and MPLS IP-VPN based network services utilising our Next Generation all IP Network providing Datacoms services over fixed and wireless platforms in addition to managed services including systems integration and management.
Batelco has invested US$1.4 billion in Bahrain’s telecom infrastructure since 1981, including significant investment in NGN (Next Generation Networks) infrastructure which has reinforced the Kingdom’s position as a leading communications hub. The Company’s shares are listed on the Bahrain Stock Exchange with a total capitalisation of approx US$ 3.1 billion as of June 2008.
With an ongoing strategy to grow overseas, the Batelco Group incorporates joint venture operations in Jordan, Kuwait, Yemen, Saudi Arabia and Egypt.