Improving working condition for workers

The World Labour Organisation (ILO) along with almost all the countries of the world may have chalked out elaborate programmes to observe the May Day. Bangladesh is not likely to miss it to make the world believe that it is heading towards building a society which is free from labour exploitation and ensures safe work place as well as due wages. It is true that our government has provided enough economic freedom; patronised SME sector which includes almost 5400 RMG units in the country. It proves the previous statement. Five million female workers are dependent on this sector which seems to be a positive sign for elimination of extreme poverty. It also reduced the unemployment problem as well as helped women empowerment.

  Bangladesh had the experience of fire incident at Tazreen Fashion House, Rana Plaza collapse and death of one labour union leader which have created negative impression in the world media regarding safety of working environment, implementation of the labour union law, security of female workers etc. The Bangladesh Labour Law-2013 provided the opportunity of Labour Union as per ILO convention directives and pressure from foreign buyer groups could make 140 RMG units only to comply with it and almost 3,400 units still do not allow trade unionism. It has been reported that the government has shown lack of sincerity in providing compensation to the families of the Rana Plaza victims. Nearly 200 RMG units have already been closed down and almost 2,000 workers have become jobless.

Everything will not be all right overnight. But the government should leave procrastination and be more proactive to meet the global standard so that we can retain GSP facility, withdrawn in the previous year by America in the wake of Rana Plaza tragedy. Moreover, those who are becoming jobless due to closure of RMG units should be rehabilitated in those sectors where required, such as the EPZs that need 4.5 million workers.

Deb Proshad Halder