Live and Let Live
According to Marietta ‘Modern day slavery,’ needs to be wound up. “Migrant workers are not commodities, to be used, trampled and thrown away. This workforce gives their blood, toil and sweat to build Bahrain,” she said. “They deserve to live with dignity and respect.”

Other common problems are dismal, irregular salaries and employers dishonouring job contracts.

Marietta also notes the appalling accommodation provided to workers.

According to her nearly five to ten workers share coop-sized rooms devoid of air-conditioners, fans and even a gas cylinder to cook their meals. “These cheap, uncomfortable arrangements are proudly labelled ‘company accommodation.’ Is asking a reasonable standard of living too much in Bahrain?” Human trafficking is another issue she dwells on. For Marietta trafficking is not merely prostitution; rather it’s labour exploitation from the grass root level. “Employers, recruiting agents, host governments and native countries need to take onus for this issue.

“It is the duty of recruiting agents and employers, to brief workers back home about the nature of the job, work hours, conditions and culture of the region.

“Most poor, illiterate workers face an absolute culture shock on arriving here. While some can't operate modern day gadgets, others don't speak any language other than their own,” she maintained.

"Employers need to find about the workers skills before hiring them to avert future issues.” She recommended the LMRA maintains a database of worker’s information mentioning their basic qualifications, skills and languages known, amongst others.

Thanking Marietta
For all the assistance she tenders, migrant workers are grateful to her and the MWPS. “Marietta donated a refrigerator to our camp to reduce summer’s scorching burden. With BD65 it’s difficult to survive the inflation but the MWPS provides us with grains, oil, pulses and other provisions,” said Ramesh, a construction worker from a labour camp in Budaiya.

An insightful trip to the labour camps reveals a horrific picture. Almost five to six men compulsorily share a tiny room, with a semi-functioning AC. The room has beds devoid of mattresses while the pathetic kitchen with a traditional gas stove is an accident waiting to happen.

The labourers also complain of dishonoured contracts including irregular wages, lack of medical benefits and indemnities. “I haven’t visited my family for the last four years,” cries out Prabhu.

According to Satish Kumar, one of the founding members of MWPS, sponsors need to change their attitude. "People need to look into their conscience and question their actions," he said.

Create a Better Future
Echoing a similar sentiment Marietta mentions that while the government is doing their bit, it’s not adequate. “The wheels are moving slowly towards progress. Implementation is the name of the game here,” she asserts. “Rules have to be fair and not at the cost of injustice and slavery.”

She also urges the government to employ proper interpreters in the labour ministry, immigration and police stations to eliminate the communication barrier.

Marietta mentions the need for more members to join the MWPS. “It’s everyone’s social and moral responsibility to help the community. We can’t be passive spectators. A 100% commitment is the need of the hour.” For information, call 3 9452-470.