The Clean Clothes Campaign (CCC) urged Bangladesh government, local apparel makers, and global buyers sourcing from the country to agree on and support workers' demand of getting Tk 23,000 as minimum monthly wage.
The CCC, one of the garment industry's largest global alliances of labour unions and non-governmental organisations, also called Bangladesh garment industry to take actions following the murder of trade unionist Shahidul Islam, according to a statement.
It urged the government to thoroughly and transparently investigate the murder and identify all perpetrators, taking into account 'connections' between the assailants and the factory management concerned.
On Monday, the CCC activists protested at a promotional exposition of the Bangladesh garment industry in Amsterdam - to urge the Bangladesh government, the employers' association, and all brands sourcing from Bangladesh to take immediate actions in the wake of the trade unionist murder.
The activists held up banners outside and spoke up in the conference room, demanding justice for Mr Islam's family, safeguards for the workers' right to organise, and a new minimum wage in line with their demands.
Shahidul Islam, an organiser of the Bangladesh Garment and Industrial Workers Federation (BGIWF), was allegedly attacked and killed in front of Prince Jacquard Sweater Ltd factory in Tongi on June 25, right after a meeting with the factory management to help the workers collect their due bonuses and wages, added the statement.
The murder was a brutal reminder of the risks faced by unionists and workers standing up for their rights in Bangladesh and would have a severe chilling effect on the organising environment here.
Especially in the context of the country's current overdue wage review, it is crucial to ensure that the workers can be organised and speak up freely, the CCC said in its statement.
"We urge the brands sourcing from Bangladesh to ensure protection of freedom of association and ensure that all their suppliers provide access to organisers of independent union federations to speak to workers and remain neutral during any independent organising effort."
The brands should clearly communicate their expectations to the suppliers around regarding respect for fundamental labour rights, including freedom of association and collective bargaining, as well as prompt investigation and taking actions to address any violations of these rights.
The CCC called on the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) to ensure a 'zero-tolerance' policy for violence and retaliation against trade unionists, and especially full respect for the ready-made garment sector workers' right to organise.
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