Online registration system for trade unions launched

Department of Labour (DoL) in cooperation with International Labour Organisation (ILO) has formally launched an online registration system for trade unions and their federations, officials said.

The system has been posted on the website of Department of Inspections for Factories and Establishments at http://dife.gov.bd/tradeunion/ but it will be switched over to DoL website at www.dol.gov.bd in future, they added.  

"The online system was first introduced in 2012 which remained non-functional due to some technical reasons. On March 10 last, it was re-launched to make the process easier," DoL Director SM Ashrafuzzaman told the FE on Thursday.

The workers eager to register new unions are being encouraged to submit their applications online. Paper-based submissions will be accepted now to maximise the ability of worker groups to make applications.

ILO Country Director for Bangladesh Srinivas Reddy in a statement said, "Since 2013, there has been significant growth in the number of enterprise level trade unions established in Bangladesh, especially in the ready-made garment sector."

The statement added: "The online system should bring more transparency and accountability in processing trade union registrations. Over time, it should evolve into a vital tool that will help enhance labour rights across all industrial sectors."

The online trade union registration system is being developed to gradually include information on registered trade unions and trade union federations, complaints and actions taken in regard to unfair labour practices as well as educational and welfare activities for workers.

The system was established with technical support from ILO's Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work in Bangladesh (FPRW) project funded by US Department of Labour.

    munni_fe@yahoo.com