Legal steps against people hindering TU in RMG units

The government will take legal actions against people hindering trade union (TU) activities in the country's ready-made garment (RMG) factories.
The Ministry of Commerce (MoC) has asked the Ministry of Labour and Employment (MoLE) to identify the people and take actions against them as per laws.
MoC secretary Mahbub Ahmed sent a letter to MoLE secretary Mikail Shipar last week in this connection.
There is an allegation that a vested quarter, mainly involved with management of the RMG factories, has been creating impediments to formation and operation of trade unions.
Allowing freedom in trade union practices is one of the key components for restoration of the Generalised System of Preferences (GSP) facility in the US market.
The US government suggested Bangladesh to implement an action plan for developing working environment in the RMG units after the Rana Plaza collapse and the Tazreen garment fire incidents.
Under the plan some 200 inspectors will be recruited with the Office of the Chief Inspector of Factory and Establishment by next month.
The government will inform the United States Trade Representative (USTR) about the latest progress in implementing the action plan.
The MoC letter said appointment of 200 inspectors has to be finished by March 2014.
There is an allegation that no action is being taken against the people, who are harassing trade union and registration activities in the RMG units. In this regard, actions have to be taken immediately against them, the letter said.
The USTR will analyse the latest development regarding execution of the action plan. The authorities concerned must look into the relevant issues within the timeframe for restoration of the GSP facility in the US market.
Besides, the government is also working to create a database with all information regarding registration of trade unions and inspection of factories, it also said.
"The United States is very interested in working with the government of Bangladesh to restore GSP benefits at the earliest appropriate time, based on progress made to address the items in the action plan. This plan communicates actions the US encourages the government of Bangladesh to take in order to form a basis for reinstating benefits."
The timetable under which reinstatement could take place depends on how quickly the government implements the action plan, the letter added.
"The USTR will arrange a review hearing on restoration of the suspended GSP in April 15. Under the circumstances, progress on implementing the action plan is advancing well. The government officials concerned are trying their best regarding the issue," a MoC official told the FE.
The US suspended the GSP facility following several industrial disasters, like - the Rana Plaza collapse and the Tazreen garment fire.