US Congressmen push for ‘improving conditions’ for workers

US Congressmen Sander M Levin and George Miller have urged the government of Bangladesh to improve conditions for the country’s workers saying there has been ‘insufficient’ progress in many areas, especially with regard to freedom of association. Levin, ranking member, committee on Ways and Means Workforce and Miller Senior Democratic Member, Committee on Education and the Workforce, sent a letter to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on April 23 outlining specific labour issues that have yet to be addressed by the Bangladesh government. They also brought Bangladeshi government’s attention to numerous labour issues that still require action. “We believe it’s critical for the government of Bangladesh to take stronger steps to fully implement the Bangladesh Action Plan that was issued as a roadmap for reinstating trade benefits,” the letter reads. They said the government of Bangladesh has taken some steps, but there has been insufficient progress in many areas. Issues related to union registration and protection, labour law reform, Export Processing Zones (EPZs) and labour leader Aminul Islam case were highlighted in the lengthy letter, according to UNB.