Delegation urges labor reform in Bangladesh amid democratic transition

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GLOBAL INDUSTRY NEWS

Matthew Painter Head of Communications | UNI Global Union

By Sky Industry News

Nov 29, 2024

UNI Global Union General Secretary Christy Hoffman recently participated in a significant delegation to Bangladesh. The visit, organized by the U.S. State Department and Department of Labor, aimed to highlight urgent issues affecting garment workers in the country. These include low wages, challenges in union registration, and the blacklisting and criminal charges against workers and activists.

Hoffman remarked, “Just as Rana Plaza forced the country to take on the challenge of safe factories, this moment could be an opportunity for deep change. We urge Bangladesh to choose ‘high road’ development and to reject a race to the bottom.”

Hoffman joined Scott Nova from the Worker Rights Consortium as labor experts during the visit. The delegation was led by State Department Special Representative Kelly M. Fay Rodríguez and Department of Labor Deputy Undersecretary Thea Lee. Senior leaders from major American brands such as Gap Inc., PVH Corp., and VF Corporation also took part. These companies collectively purchase around US$1.8 billion annually from Bangladesh’s ready-made garment sector.

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The visit occurred at a pivotal time for Bangladesh's democracy and governance following a student-led movement that resulted in an interim government taking power on August 8 under economist Muhammad Yunus, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate.

During their stay, the group met with key industry and political figures, including Chief Advisor Yunus, emphasizing the need for transforming labor relations in Bangladesh.

Yunus assured the delegation, “We want to make our labour laws on par with global standards. It is my commitment.”

A statement from the State Department noted: “The United States welcomes Chief Advisor Yunus’s assurances that labour reforms are a top priority of the Interim Government. We support Bangladesh further strengthening the right of workers to form and join independent trade unions, and to collectively bargain for better working conditions.”

UNI Global Union is a signatory of the International Accord (formerly known as the Bangladesh Accord), which has improved safety within the RMG industry.

“I am thrilled to have taken part in this historic delegation, and we look forward to working with Chief Advisor Yunus,” said Hoffman. “The ability to form a union and collectively bargain is foundational to deepening democracy, and the global union movement will support any efforts to strengthen labour laws and improve conditions in the country.”