The International Labour Organization (ILO) has identified at least five issues troubling Bangladesh's readymade garment (RMG) industry and suggested reforms in wage structure and relevant policies, and amendments to the labour law.
In a statement issued Sunday, the ILO country office in Dhaka said it was closely monitoring the labour unrest in the RMG and other sectors arising from a range of worker grievances, highlighting significant systemic issues that demand urgent attention and resolution.
"Reforming the minimum wage mechanism and ensuring inclusive consultations between employers and workers will help address wage-related grievances including the move towards providing living wages," it said, adding sectoral wage boards and strong collective bargaining mechanisms must be established to prevent and de-escalate unrest related to wages and working conditions.
It also calls for amendments to the Bangladesh Labour Act, aligned with international labour standards, to expand coverage to all workers, including those in the informal sector and export- processing zones (EPZs).
A robust and transparent national industrial relations system is essential for addressing disputes early and preventing them from escalating into violence, the ILO suggests, adding that this should include the introduction of an independent alternative dispute- resolution institution and reforms to the labour-court system to improve case management.
The Employment Injury Scheme, currently piloted for garment workers, should be institutionalized, legislated, and gradually extended to other sectors.
It also calls on the Bangladesh government to ratify OSH conventions No 155 and No 187 and to develop a comprehensive national OSH system, saying that this will promote a culture of safety across all sectors of the economy.
Acknowledging the complexities surrounding the challenges, the ILO underscored the importance of constructive dialogue among employers and factory owners, workers, and government representatives.
The ILO commended the RMG industry for the landmark agreement reached between workers and employers in Ashulia area, on the outskirts of Dhaka, reached on September 24, after days of escalating labour unrest that has raised hopes for harmonious industrial relations and long-term peace in the sector.
Out of the 65 factories having halted operations on the day, 14 factories are closed in line with labour law provision of 13(1) that states no work, no pay.
The other 51 announced paid holiday because workers either didn't work or left factories after joining in the morning, they added.
One factory in Gazipur remained closed on the day.
Workers in Ashulia and Gazipur industrial belts have been staging protests since August 29 over demands for increase in different allowances, timely wage payments, arrears and wage hike, forcing numerous units to suspend production in the main export industry.