Trade union debate heats up
L-R, Dr Debapriya Bhattacharya, distinguished fellow of Centre for Policy Dialogue, Commerce Minister Faruk Khan, CPD Chairman Prof Rehman Sobhan and Executive Director of the think-tank Mustafizur Rahman attend a dialogue in Dhaka yesterday. Photo: STAR
Labour leaders yesterday emphasised trade unionism in the apparel sector to ensure workers rights, while owners expressed their concerns over the role of such unions in the industry.
However both the sides were unanimous on bringing the culprits to book, who are responsible for the damage caused to the prime foreign exchange earning sector. A vested quarter is behind the recent labour unrest, they told a discussion in Dhaka.
The Centre for Policy Dialogue organised the dialogue on “Investment scenario and the recent incidents in the industrial sector.”
Chaired by CPD Chairman Professor Rehman Sobhan, it was addressed by Commerce Minister Faruk Khan as chief guest. Dr Debapriya Bhattacharya, the distinguished fellow of the private think tank moderated the discussion, aimed at suggesting ways and means to resolve frequent RMG workers' unrest.
“Why do you (owners) fear trade unionism?” questioned politician and a labour leader Shahidullah Chowdhury. “Look at the issue positively and things will improve,” he said.
Dr Wajedul Islam Khan blamed factory owners for not following the ILO convention ratified by Bangladesh, which allows trade unionism.
Politicians Haider Akbar Khan Rono, Monjurul Ahsan Khan and Saiful Haque also agreed with them on trade unionism.
“There are genuine reasons for workers' demonstration. They are deprived of due wages and overtime payment,” Rono said.
“Healthy trade unionism can resolve many of the problems faced by the garment sector,” said Monjurul Ahsan Khan.
Tuhin Chowdhury, a garment worker, said retired army officials who are employed at almost every factory often create constraints for workers, instead of helping them.
President of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) Annisul Huq, also a garment factory owner, said they are afraid of trade unionism because their experience in this regard is not good.
He also smelt outsiders' involvement in the recent destruction in some garment factories.
Fazlul Hoque, president of the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) echoed the FBCCI chief's view.
Rokia Afzal Rahman, a former adviser to the caretaker government, said, “It seems that some incidents are instigated from outside.”
Abdul Hye Sarker, president of Bangladesh Textile Mills Association, and AK Azad, the owner of the recently burnt Hameem Factory, urged the government to investigate when and why an owner failed to pay wages to his or her workers.
The commerce minister said the Awami League-led government is pledge-bound to allow trade unionism to ensure workers rights in all sectors.
“We want it. We have mentioned it in our election manifesto,” Faruk Khan said.
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