Apparel sector leaders on Monday called on International Labour Organization (ILO) to initiate measures to develop a unified code of conduct as multiple audits cost them a huge money and time as well as create audit fatigue, making compliance difficult for enterprises.
Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) also sought ILO's support in ensuring fair minimum prices for apparel.
BGMEA president SM Mannan (Kochi) made the requests when a delegation led by ILO Bangladesh Country Director Tuomo Poutiainen paid a courtesy call on at the trade body's office in Uttara.
The ILO delegation comprised of Mohamad Anis Agung Nugroho, Programme Manager of Better WorkBangladesh project; Linnea Strand, Programme and Operations Officer; and Md. Saidul Islam, senior programme officer.
BGMEA vice presidents Arshad Jamal (Dipu), Md Nasir Uddin, Miran Ali, Abdullah Hil Rakib, and Directors Md Imranur Rahman, Shovon Islam, Haroon Ar Rashid, Md Mohiuddin Rubel, Shehrin Salam Oishee, Saifuddin Siddiquie Sagar, Md Rezaul Alam (Miru) and Chair of BGMEA Standing Committee on Labour and ILO Affairs ANM Saifuddin, among others, were present at the meeting.
During the meeting, they discussed the progress of the ongoing ILO-led initiatives, especially Better Work Bangladesh that aimed at enhancing working conditions and ensuring occupational safety for ready-made garment (RMG) workers in Bangladesh.
The meeting also discussed potential collaborations between the ILO and BGMEA to further develop the industry, with a specific focus on capacity building to align with evolving regulations such as the Due Diligence Directive and to enhance workers' well-being.
Talking to the FE after the meeting, the BGMEA president said ILO sought the trade body's support for expanding the Better Work programme to more RMG factories while it also agreed with the need for a unified code of conduct.
Emphasising the necessity for a unified code of conduct for social and technical audits, universally accepted across the industry, Mr Kochi urged the ILO to take an initiative to establish such a code, stressing its significance for the benefit of all stakeholders - including buyers, manufacturers, and workers worldwide.
He also emphasised the importance of fair minimum prices for apparel, stating that without such pricing mechanisms, the industry would not be sustainable in the long run.
He requested the ILO to press the price issue in global forums and in discussions with buyers, focusing its importance for the labor-intensive garment sector.
Responding to a question, he also said ILO is conducting a study to help develop a national wage policy for the sector.
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