Bangladesh is observing the event with various trade union bodies and workers rights groups holding discussions on conditions of workers in public and private mills and factories, shops and services and other informal sectors. They are holding rallies and human chain in capital Dhaka and other industrial belts taking new pledge to make their workplaces safe and improve the living condition. It is a day for reflection also for employers to treat workers properly in the light of domestic laws and international labour standards.
Safety at workplace in Bangladesh is not quite satisfactory, particularly at garment factories, fish processing and such other labour intensive industries. Two industrial incidents – fire at Tazreen Fashions killing many workers and collapse of Rana Plaza in April 2013 killing over 1100 workers and injuring twice as many were the worst reminders how work. places were and are insecured in Bangladesh. It is true that Bangladesh has improved the situation a lot over the past four years modernizing factories and improving their fire fighting system. But nonetheless a lot more needs to be done to improve the standard of workers at all levels.
We have many laws and regulations on paper to protect workers’ rights and their minimum financial interest but they are still severely exploited by powerful employers. Particularly workers’ rights to trade union in Export Processing Zones is yet to be fully implemented inviting pressure from international bodies. But Bangladesh has made significant stride so far to eliminate child labour from garment industry although their presence is still noticeable in other informal sectors.
What is more important to note today is that workers’ rights are still largely neglected in the country as it is evident from the long maneuvering to delay the trial of the accused of Rana Plaza accident largely because they are ruling party men and government officials. Political influence is stalling the trial of factory owners while government refusal to give permission to bring charges against accused officials are denying justice to victims’ families. Neglect to rehabilitation of the injured is also highly repugnant to administration of justice. The call of the May Day will go unheeded so long victims will not get fair justice including full compensation and rehabilitation.
The idea of May Day must change from class war relationship to partnership relationship.
