Operations and Institutional Arrangements
SDG 8: Focus Areas
8.2.2 Employment Practice – Unions
Does your university as a body recognise unions for all, including women & international staff?
Yes. The University of Bahrain recognizes the right of all employees—including women, international staff, academic faculty, and administrative personnel—to join unions established under Bahraini law. Internal unions are not permitted for public institutions under national regulations; however, the University provides inclusive, legally recognized staff-representation mechanisms that guarantee collective participation, protection of rights, and alignment with national labor law and international principles.
Supporting Evidence:
1. Legal Framework
- Under Bahraini law, public-sector institutions do not establish internal labor unions; however, all employees retain the right to join labor unions lawfully established pursuant to the Labor Law for the Private Sector, consistent with Article (27) of the Constitution guaranteeing freedom of association.
- All protections and rights apply equally to men and women, and to non-Bahraini employees contracted by the University.
2. Institutional Mechanisms (Union-Equivalent Structures)
To ensure effective employee voice within the institution, the University maintains a comprehensive system of institutional staff-representation bodies, which function as union-equivalent mechanisms for collective participation and protection of rights. These include:
- Academic Grievance Committee
- Administrative Grievance Committee
- Appeals Committee
- Equal Opportunities Committee
- Department and College Councils enabling faculty participation in decision-making
- University Council representation for academic and administrative matters
These committees and councils have clear authority, guaranteed accessibility, and independent oversight. They provide staff with fair and transparent channels to raise concerns, participate in governance, and review employment-related decisions without fear of retaliation.
3. Commitment to Equality and Participation
- Equal treatment and nondiscrimination regardless of gender or nationality
- Protection of staff rights aligned with national labor law and international labor-rights principles
- Institutionalized participation in policy development, workplace governance, and welfare initiatives
- Meaningful, safe, and accessible avenues for collective representation
Accordingly, while the University does not host internal unions due to national regulations, it fully respects employees’ right to join unions under national law and provides inclusive, effective, and equitable staff-representation mechanisms for all employees, consistent with SDG 8 and THE Impact Rankings requirements.
