The International Leather Workers Association Calls On Bangladesh To Restore Trade Union Rights

In the world economic forum held in DAVOS, Davos, Bangladesh was warned that extending the ban on trade union rights could affect the country's future status as a major exporter of garments.

At the meeting, the representative of Bangladesh said that the government promised that every factory would comply with the labour Ordinance and work closely with the industry to achieve this goal, and the right of trade unions and other rights would be restored at the right time.

NeilKearney, Secretary General of the International Association of textiles, clothing and leather workers, said that some employers were using the right to ban trade unions to break the law, causing factory unrest and widespread instability in the industry.

These illegal employers who threaten to complain will be arrested under the emergency Ordinance and will not be released on bail, effectively complaining the workers who have complained about their improper treatment.

Kearney said that almost all garment buyers now require suppliers to comply with the labor code, including freedom of trade unions. Once such rights are reduced by law, they will not be able to meet buyer's requirements.

Trade unions in Bangladesh have been banned for one year, and some buyers have openly questioned whether they continue to buy clothing from Bangladesh in line with their procurement principles. Such queries are more intense after the extension of the ban order in Bangladesh. The extension of prohibition order in Bangladesh may turn this doubt into a decision to reject procurement.