International Labour Organisation encourages peaceful demonstrations of apparel workers without hurting the chain of production of a factory and the economy of the country, said Gilbert Houngbo, deputy director general of the Switzerland-based body.
“We are trying to develop mechanism for constructive dialogue among the parties concerned to protect workers’ rights,” Houngbo said in an exclusive interview with the Dhaka Tribune yesterday.
Houngbo, also former prime minister of Togo, added: “We are advocating for freedom of association. But freedom of association also brings responsibility.”
DT: You visited Dhaka after the collapse of Rana Plaza in 2013. You are again here after one year of the tragic incident. Have you observed any efforts to improve working conditions for RMG workers?
Gilbert Houngbo: Changes are evident right now and efforts are on. At least 140 trade unions have been created in the sector. Another thing is that about 900 factories were inspected. The government has increased minimum wage and many factories have started implementing new wage. New labour inspectors are appointed. So, it is a good beginning. Now everybody needs to speed it up and there are challenges need to be overcome.
It is almost established that more than 1,100 workers died in the tragic April 24 incident. But there is no complete list of the deceased, identified or unidentified, and missing persons. There are several [incomplete] lists prepared by the government, DNA laboratory authority and NGOs.
Gilbert Houngbo: It is heartbreaking as a clear list is yet to be established. Yes, there was lack of institutional capacity and bureaucratic problems. Bangladesh is not alone in this situation if you look at the issue on quality crisis management perspective. But Bangladesh managed the crisis relatively well. I just hope that the authorities [public or private] will take lessons from the incidents they face and the mistakes they made before and after the disasters; and the workers and the factories will be benefitted from the lessons.
Do you think that the foreign buyers and brands who import apparels need to share responsibilities, financial and otherwise, to improve working conditions, safety and security of workers?
Gilbert Houngbo: Improving working conditions is a collective responsibility of the government, [local and international] partners, owners, international buyers and labour organisations. Many of them are coming up with their efforts. My call is there should be an organised approach from every authority, including the Alliance and the Accord and others. To me, we should not go backward after some improvements to labour standards. Secondly, we also need to encourage traditional buyers, employers [factory owners] and trade unions to have a major role to play to see this sector really well managed.
Most of the leaders of the 140 newly formed RMG trade unions hardly have any knowledge, experience and understanding of labour law and rules to face problems in future. Do you have any suggestion for them?
Gilbert Houngbo: Yes, they do not know what to do and how. But we [government, ILO, owners and national trade unions] know what we expect from them. That’s why ILO has launched programme for capacity building of the newly formed trade unions as collective bargaining agents for constructive engagement for interests of the workers and as well as for the interests of the employers and the industry.
What do you expect from the employers?
Gilbert Houngbo: They need to maintain a minimum acceptable working atmosphere and allow workers to exercise freedom of association to uphold their legal rights. We want that there will be no abuse. There should not be any retaliation against anybody for trade union activities.
