The government has decided to form a committee to resolve the complaints and develop relationship of readymade garment owners and workers. Commerce Minister Tofail Ahmed disclosed it to media after a meeting with US Ambassador to Dhaka Dan Mozena on Tuesday.
“The workers often lodge complaints at embassies and ministries on issues like non-payment of salaries and job termination. The owners too have many complaints. An Alternative Dispute Resolution Committee will be formed to resolve these grievances,” Ahmed said.
“The US envoy and we have agreed to constitute the committee,” he said.
The Minister said a decision on the size of the committee and other issues will be taken after holding a meeting with stakeholders, including the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) on Apr 11.
Bangladesh’s apparel sector came under scrutiny after the collapse of Rana Plaza that killed over 1,100 people, most of them garment factory workers.
The US had suspended the duty free Generalised System of Preferences (GSP) benefits for Bangladesh products for alleged failure to improve workplace conditions for labourers and not forming trade unions in EPZs.
Later the Obama administration also unveiled a plan, detailing 16 conditions, including improvement of workplace environment for workers, to get back the GSP facilities.
The Commerce Minister said a report would be sent to the US by Apr 15 on how many conditions had so far been fulfilled.
“I had discussed with the ambassador the action plans and the implementation of the 16 conditions to get back GSP. Much progress has been done. The envoy is happy with that,” he said.
Ahmed said they had talked about putting an end to exploitation of workers and allowing them to form trade unions. “We will take measures if the allegation of torture on workers is proved.”
The issue of allowing trade unions in the EPZs will be considered after amending the relevant law, he said.
