Union leaders in Bangladesh have urged the government to amend the labor law to facilitate easier union formation and ensure better worker rights. They proposed reducing the current requirement of 20% worker signatures to form a union to just 20 workers, enabling greater freedom of association. Factory owners, however, have agreed to lower the threshold to 15%, a step down from the previous 20% and 30% thresholds, in response to international pressure from the ILO and EU.
Key demands from union leaders included:
- Improved resignation benefits: Workers resigning after one year of service should receive one month’s basic salary instead of the current 14 days for those serving five years or more.
- Extended maternity leave: Female workers should receive six months of paid leave, up from the current 120 days.
- Uniform labor laws: International communities have stressed the need for consistent regulations across factories, including those in Export Processing Zones (EPZs).
The tripartite consultative committee, comprising government, factory owners, and union leaders, has reviewed 101 amendment proposals, reaching consensus on 79. Key unresolved issues will be addressed in the next meeting on January 29.
Bangladesh aims to amend its labor laws by March 2025 to align with international standards, as committed during the ILO’s 352nd session. A previous amendment was rejected by the president for failing to meet global standards. The ongoing revisions reflect efforts to balance worker rights with industrial and international expectations.
Photo Courtesy by : marxistreview
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