Bahrain Mirror: Gulf Air has informed a number of its employees of the decision to dismiss them, citing what it called "financial difficulties experienced by the company."

While some sources said the confirmed number is 12 employees, local Al-Ayyam newspaper reported that the number of laid-off Bahraini employees reached 170 in various departments of the company. The dismissed employees were suddenly informed of the decision on Wednesday (October 31, 2018). However, Al-Ayam newspaper who published the story later deleted it from its website.

A number of employees told the newspaper that "they were laid off suddenly without prior notice," wondering what the Labor Ministry's role was in protecting Bahraini employees. The employees  received a message from the company stating: "We regret to inform you, in this letter, about the termination of your contract of employment with Gulf Air, due to the company's comprehensive restructuring as a result of the financial losses suffered by the company annually, and in this regard we extend our thanks and gratitude to you for your efforts [...] and thus October 31, 2018, will be the last working day for you at Gulf Air."

The company called on the staff members to check with the HR department to complete the termination procedures and hand over all of Gulf Air's belongings within  period of three working days so they would be qualified to receive their financial dues and experience certificate. Otherwise, the company will have to transfer the financial dues to their personal accounts.

Version of the letter received by the employees

Arabic Version