UNB, Dhaka :Commissioner of European Commission (EC) László Andor on Monday stressed the need for taking urgent steps to ensure the effective enforcement of the Bangladesh Labour Act.”…measures need to be taken urgently to ensure the effective enforcement of the Bangladesh Labour Act,” he said in a statement on Monday.The statement was issued after a Bangladesh Sustainability Compact follow-up meeting held in Brussels.”Issues requiring particular attention include better guarantees for freedom of association, protection of workers and trade unions from intimidation or discrimination, and ensuring that all workers have the same rights, including those working in Export Processing Zones,” the statement added.Mentioning that there has been much progress as the European Union (EU) has been active to improve labour rights, working conditions and factory safety in the ready-made garment and knitwear industry in the country since the tragic collapse of Rana Plaza factory in Bangladesh in 2013.”Additional inspectors need to be recruited, and inspections must continue. And we need to ensure that the victims of the collapse receive allthe support necessary for their rehabilitation,” said the statement adding, “We need to continue to monitor the implementation and results of the Compact.”Mentioning that this issue is not limited to Bangladesh though, the statement said it concerns many developing countries and emerging economies.”The Commission is fully committed to protecting workers and making workplaces safer all over the world. With this aim, the Commission is cooperating with the ILO and partners to address existing shortcomings in occupational health and safety in the global supply chains,” the statement said.
