[Bangladesh] ILO recommends labour law reform to end garment sector unrest

In Bangladesh, the International Labour Organisation (ILO) has called for immediate reforms in wage structures and labour laws in the country's ready-made garment (RMG) sector to address ongoing worker grievances and labour unrest, The Business Standard reports.

In a September 29 statement, the ILO stated that wage restructuring and improved labour protections are crucial for achieving sustainable industrial relations between employers and workers, ensuring fair wages and long-term peace in the sector.

The organisation reportedly said it is closely monitoring labour unrest in the RMG and other sectors, highlighting systemic issues needing urgent resolution.

It emphasised the importance of social dialogue, urging stakeholders, employers, workers, and government representatives to engage in constructive discussions to uphold workers' rights while maintaining the industry’s economic viability.

"It not only supports sustainable business practices and better working conditions but also contributes to advancing social justice and decent work for all," the ILO said in a statement. 

It reportedly commended the RMG industry for the landmark agreement reached on September 24 between workers and employers in Ashulia in the wake of escalated labour unrest.

The agreement has raised hopes for harmonious industrial relations and long-term peace in the sector, the statement continued.

The ILO reportedly identified five key areas where action is required:

• Wage structure and policy reform
• Labour law reform and strengthened legal protections
• A strong national industrial relations system
• Social protection
• Occupational safety and health (OSH)

The organisation believes this will promote a culture of safety across all sectors of the economy.

In its statement, the ILO reportedly said it remains dedicated to supporting Bangladesh on its journey towards sustainable and inclusive economic growth, underpinned by the promotion of decent work, labour rights and social justice.

Source: The Business Standard

(Quotes via original reporting)

In Bangladesh, the International Labour Organisation (ILO) has called for immediate reforms in wage structures and labour laws in the country's ready-made garment (RMG) sector to address ongoing worker grievances and labour unrest, The Business Standard reports.

In a September 29 statement, the ILO stated that wage restructuring and improved labour protections are crucial for achieving sustainable industrial relations between employers and workers, ensuring fair wages and long-term peace in the sector.

The organisation reportedly said it is closely monitoring labour unrest in the RMG and other sectors, highlighting systemic issues needing urgent resolution.

It emphasised the importance of social dialogue, urging stakeholders, employers, workers, and government representatives to engage in constructive discussions to uphold workers' rights while maintaining the industry’s economic viability.

"It not only supports sustainable business practices and better working conditions but also contributes to advancing social justice and decent work for all," the ILO said in a statement. 

It reportedly commended the RMG industry for the landmark agreement reached on September 24 between workers and employers in Ashulia in the wake of escalated labour unrest.

The agreement has raised hopes for harmonious industrial relations and long-term peace in the sector, the statement continued.

The ILO reportedly identified five key areas where action is required:

• Wage structure and policy reform
• Labour law reform and strengthened legal protections
• A strong national industrial relations system
• Social protection
• Occupational safety and health (OSH)

The organisation believes this will promote a culture of safety across all sectors of the economy.

In its statement, the ILO reportedly said it remains dedicated to supporting Bangladesh on its journey towards sustainable and inclusive economic growth, underpinned by the promotion of decent work, labour rights and social justice.

Source: The Business Standard

(Quotes via original reporting)