Manama: More than 100 foreign workers, including Indians, who went on strike here over non-payment of salaries have received their wages following the intervention of diplomats and labour officials.
The workers, who worked for Mercury Middle East firm, were on strike since February 28 and were paid the outstanding salaries on Wednesday, Gulf Daily News reported.
An Indian embassy official visited the workers at their accommodation reportedly refused to leave on Wednesday until the men were paid, it said.
"We were trying to arrange some funds to clear the salaries and we got it processed on Wednesday. All employees have been paid and if there is any delay, it is the bank transfer depending on their accounts," a company official said.
Mercury Middle East was sub-contracted to carry out work on the Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay project by Dubai-based Six Construct.
A company official blamed main contractor Six Construct for the delayed payments, alleging it was awaiting payment from the Dubai firm.
"We are yet to be paid by Six Construct and we are still trying to get the money from them," he said.
However, Six Construct said it was Mercury who was responsible for satisfying the grievances of its workers.
"We fully understand the reasons behind the workers' complaints regarding the delayed payment of their salaries by our subcontractor Mercury, who is responsible for satisfying the grievances of their workers. The name of Six Construct has unfortunately been misused by Mercury," said Six Construct managing director Pierre Sironva.
"We have initiated an investigation into the matter and will enquire with the employer about the reasons for not paying the employees and assure that necessary action will be taken," Sironva said.
Meanwhile, the Labour Ministry has launched its own probe into the non-payment of 125 Indian, Pakistani and Filipino electrical and mechanical staff, the report said.
"Our inspectors visited the labour camp, discussed issues with the employees and contacted the employer," Labour Ministry under-secretary Sabah Al Dossary said.
