By BASMA MOHAMMED

MANAMA

FISHERMEN are planning to go on a nation-wide strike within two weeks in protest over fees imposed by the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) for each expatriate worker.

The strike comes following the alleged failure of officials to meet fishermen’s demands, including compensation for land reclamation they claim has affected their livelihoods.

Fishermen’s Protection Society honorary president Waheed Al Dossary accused MPs and the Shura Council of neglecting their problems and failing to find solutions or even discuss their case at their meetings.

He told the GDN that he was disheartened by parliament’s and the council’s lack of action and their failure to discuss an issue that involves citizens.

“Nothing has been done to meet our demands. We are fed up. We will stage this strike hoping for a change,” he said.

Mr Al Dossary said fishermen would be on strike for a couple of days and then wait for feedback.

He said if there was no response they would stage another strike for a longer period.

“We will collect all fishermen’s registration licences and hand them over to the Fisheries Directorate to show our frustration.”

The move follows demonstrations organised by the society at its premises in Muharraq in the past months.

The fishermen want authorities to scrap the BD200 biennial and the BD10 monthly fees imposed by the LMRA.