Dubai: Around 2,100 Asian workers, including 1,900 Indians, employed with a major construction company in Bahrain, continued their strike for the second consecutive day demanding better pay and working conditions.

The workers employed by G P Zachariades are asking for a monthly wage of 100 Bahrain Dinars (approx Rs 10,517) for labourers and 120 dinars for skilled workers.

At present, the workers get a monthly wage of 57 and skilled workers of 69 Bahrain Dinars.

The striking staff have refused to work until their demands were met and top company officials took notice of their plight.

The workers had downed their tools on Saturday at Durrat Al Bahrain and Ecker projects.

However, G P Zachariades through a notice has threatened to take action against the workers if they do not return to work.

Meanwhile, Indian officials said they are trying to sort out the issue by talking to the management of the company.

The strike came days after Indian Ambassador Balkrishna Shetty revealed plans to institute a BD100 minimum wage for Indian workers in the Gulf.

"We have decided to halt work until we get a salary rise. All we get paid is a basic of BD57 despite the fact that companies are making huge profits from us," a worker said.

Labour Ministry International and Public Relations Director Subah Al Dossary said a committee comprising officials of the Indian Embassy, the Labour Ministry, workers and the company would be formed to resolve the issue.

Source : PTI