Page 335 - Records of Bahrain (5) (ii)_Neat

Employment issues at BAPCO 655

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During these same periods the attendance of the
Indians was almost perfect. It is obvious that until such
time as the Bahreini is sufficiently “industrialized1; we
cannot do away with Indians entirely, or plaoe Bahreinis in
key jobs.
It has been noted in many cases that increasing the
wages of Bahreinis decreases their attendance, In other
words, if they can make enough money in four days to satisfy
their wants, why work six ? Thi3 would seem to refute the
argument that they are not paid a living wage.
’.'/age Scale for Bahreinis
A soale of wuges is provided for each job, The
men advance according to their abilities from the lowest
job to the highest, The same type of scale is worked out
for the maintenance department.

Each and every Indiun in the refinery, with the
Bxception of 7 men at the Power Plant, has a Bahreini
apprentice training to take his job. How soon the Indian
is displaced depends on the Bahreini.
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Out of a total of 456 Class III employees in the
Operating Department only 86 are receiving less then Rs.-/l4/-
and they are making Rs.-/12/-.

In the Maintenance Department out of a total of 447
Class III employees only 225 are making less than Rs.-/14/-
and they are making Rs.-/l2/-.
The 225 Rs.-/l2/- men in the Maintenance are common
unskilled day laborers. In this department there are Bahreini
apprentices for training in every craft including welding,
riveting, caulking, pipefitting, boilermaker work, carpenter
v/ork and masonry.

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