Workers Welfare Association elections held at three factories in Chittagong EPZs

The workers of three factories in Export Processing Zones (EPZs) of Chittagong have elected representatives to the Executive Council of the Workers Welfare Association (WWA) by a secret ballot, after the previously elected council’s term expired. Elections were held at the factory of U-Jin Led Co, a South Korean electronics and electrical goods manufacturing enterprise, on November 30, 2017. Out of the total 92 eligible workers, 79 selected five names to serve on the executive council for the next three years. Workers of Bangladesh-Denmark joint venture garments company A & B Outerwear Limited elected 10 members to the executive council on December 3. In addition, 12 members to the council were elected from the factory of South Korean footwear and leather goods manufacturer UFM Limited during its election on December 6. A total 1,208 workers from among an eligible 1,249 cast votes. The government enacted the EPZ Workers Welfare Association and Industrial Relations Act 2010 to grant the right of freedom of association and collective bargaining to workers in EPZs of Bangladesh. A total 234 WWAs have already been formed in 8 EPZs under the Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority, and all function independently.