Time extension on safety welcome

IN a move that recognises efforts by the government to improve workplace safety and workers' rights in the aftermath of the Rana Plaza collapse, the 'Sustainability Compact' has recommended more time be given to authorities to make further progress in areas of concern. The review committee in Brussels hosted a 12-member team led by the Minister of Commerce to study progress made on various issues since July, 2013. The body appreciates government efforts in amending labour law, enabling registration of new trade unions and taking steps to ensure infrastructure safety and fire prevention.

Yet, significant challenges remain on the issues of intimidation that workers face in safeguarding their rights at the workplace and paving the way for workers' unions in Export Processing Zones (EPZs). These are contentious issues since authorities view them as conditions that will be detrimental to maintaining foreign investments in EPZs. Given that Workers' Welfare Associations exist in factories operating in these zones and the wage structure being much higher than in non-EPZ factories, it is understandable why there is such resistance to unionisation of workers.

Despite differences of opinion, the good news is that the government has been given an additional year to make good on unresolved issues. Since the EU remains the largest destination for readymade garments (RMG) exports from Bangladesh, we hope that the government will continue on its path of active cooperation to find a balance between demands and deliverables that will ensure our RMG's continued entrance into the common market.