Leaders of newly formed trade unions complained about misbehaviour of the owners towards trade union leaders and members.
They said they had to face verbal abuse and even threats of job termination before and after the formation of the trade union.
They shared their experience in an orientation programme on Freedom of Association for the Newly Registered RMG Sector Trade Unions held in Dhaka yesterday.
The programme was organised by National Coordination Committee for Workers’ Education (NCCWE), International Labour Organisation (ILO), Bangladesh Institute of Labour Studies (BILS) and IndustriALL Bangladesh Council (IBC).
Officials of more than 140 trade unions formed in the last 15 months received training on the activities of trade unions. They vowed to work for the workers’ interest in future.
Sirajuddin, General Secretary of the trade union under Tekno Dress Ltd Garment,said he was ousted twice from his job due to his involvement in trade union movement but “I got back my job with the help of the united federation of trade unions”.
He demanded a separate government committee to work as a go-between to help stop misbehave of owners with the trade union activists.
President of Tuba Garments trade union Aleya Akter said her union was formed only two months back.“The owner didn’t allow us to form the union as they think workers will stage demonstration and never listen to them once the union is formed.”
She said: “They threaten to fire us if we protest any move of the owner that goes against the interest of the workers.”
Roy Romesh Chandra, secretary general of the IBC said: “We want trade union in every garment factory. There are around seven pending registration forms. Owners have to be helpful towards workers.”
He said: “Trade union leaders have to prove that production of a factory increases and workers remain happy in a factory having a trade union. It’s a challenge and it will depend on the future work of the unions.”
Zafrul Hasan, chairperson of the NCCWE and joint secretary of the BILS said: “Owners think trade union harms production but it is rather the opposite.”
Gilbert Houngbo, deputy director general for Field Operations and Partnerships, ILO said: “The utmost importance is worker’s interest. Every trade union leaders and workers should also think of long-term interest in order to contribute to the national economy.”
Mujibul Haque Chunnu, state minister for Labour and Employment ministry, said: “There is a lack of trust between owners and workers. But, we have to work together. Workers should remember that trade unions are not for politics.”
Mikail Shiper, secretary of the ministry said: “If the unions are handled skilfully then owners will not object.”