Help line launched for RMG workers

A telephone help line has been launched for garment workers in Bangladesh to resolve their grievances relating to workplace safety and workers' rights.
Established with the support of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and Royal Norwegian Government the Help Line - 0800 44 55 000 - will be run by the Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments (DIFE).
Calls received by the Help Line will be logged and forwarded to DIFE, the Fire Service and Civil Defence Department or the Directorate of Labour to deal with those. The caller will then be contacted with a response, a release from the ILO said.
In the initial phase the Help Line will target ready-made garment (RMG) workers in the Ashulia area. Should it prove successful, it would be expanded to workers nationwide.
Speaking at the launching ceremony ILO Country Director Srinivas B Reddy said, "Over the last two years, unprecedented efforts have been made to enhance workplace safety and improve workers' rights in the RMG sector in Bangladesh".
He said providing workers with the chance to air grievances this Help Line will give a voice to the voiceless. It will also play an important role in facilitating better workplace relations by helping address grievances that may otherwise escalate into mass protests or court cases.
State Minister for the Ministry of Labour and Employment Mujibul Haque presided over the ceremony. Labour Secretary Mikail Shipar, Inspector General of the DIFE Syed Ahammed, Director of Labour SM Ashrafuzzaman, among others, spoke at the event.
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