In Bahrain, there is a growing emphasis on the need for closer collaboration between schools, businesses, and trade unions to address the changing demands of the labor market. This shift is largely driven by the rise of artificial intelligence and digital work, which are reshaping the nature of jobs and the relationships between employers and employees. The focus is on professional training, open discussions, and legal reforms to protect workers’ rights and ensure that both businesses and workers, especially younger generations, can benefit from new technologies and economic changes.
Ahmed Ali, Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Affairs at the General Federation of Bahrain Trade Unions, highlighted the challenges brought by advances in artificial intelligence and the digital workforce. He stressed the importance of creating a system that fosters collaboration between universities, higher education institutions, and companies in Bahrain. Ali also emphasized the need for more open dialogue among educational, business, and labor organizations to address the growing mismatch between education systems and the evolving needs of the workforce.
Emad Al Ajmi, Deputy Chairman of Asry’s Union and a member of the Youth Secretariat of the General Federation of Bahrain Trade Unions, echoed Ali’s concerns. Al Ajmi called for stronger labor institutions and greater unity within trade unions to lead discussions with key players in the economy. He emphasized the need for better professional training and the acquisition of new skills to keep up with the fast-changing job market. Additionally, Al Ajmi advocated for public education to raise awareness about the changes brought about by digitalization, as well as the growing competition and new opportunities in the evolving labor market.
At a seminar hosted by the General Federation of Bahrain Trade Unions, titled “The Digital Economy and Youth Challenges,” Abdulqader Al Shehabj, Secretary-General of the federation, addressed the potential of the shift towards a digital economy to reduce unemployment rates in the Gulf. However, he emphasized that this transformation must be supported by the right laws and regulations to ensure the employment of young local workers. Al Shehabj highlighted the importance of integrating development efforts with the aim of creating opportunities for young workers in the region through collaboration and open dialogue.
Deputy Secretary-General Hassan Al Halwachi also stressed the need to adapt to the changing job market, where millions of roles will vanish while new roles emerge in different forms. He emphasized the importance of addressing how these new roles will reshape the worker-employer relationship, impacting unions and social safety nets. Al Halwachi called for prompt action to address these changes and prioritize social protection for workers in the midst of ongoing transformations in the labor market.
In conclusion, the call for closer cooperation between schools, businesses, and trade unions in Bahrain reflects a broader recognition of the need to adapt to the changing demands of the labor market driven by advances in artificial intelligence and digital work. By focusing on professional training, open dialogue, and legal reforms, stakeholders aim to ensure that workers’ rights are protected and that both businesses and workers can benefit from technological advancements and economic changes. It is essential for educational, business, and labor organizations to work together to address the evolving needs of the digital workforce and create opportunities for young workers in the region.
