The European Union (EU) has stressed the need for quick investigation and prosecution for all acts of anti-union discrimination, including inside export processing zones to ensure labour rights and prevent unfair labour practices in RMG sector. In a statement issued on April 24 to mark the third anniversary of Rana Plaza collapse, the EU said trade union registration must be transparent and carried out expeditiously in accordance with the objective criteria. “The government of Bangladesh has shown a clear commitment but more work remains as well as regards labour inspections. Repairs and remediation plans in all factories have notably still to be effectively and diligently implemented. To serve this purpose, the EU and other donors have mobilised funds that are available to companies facing financing difficulties, in particular Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs),” the EU said. “On Sunday 24 April 2016, it will be exactly three years since the collapse of the Rana Plaza garment factory in Dhaka, Bangladesh, a tragic event that claimed more than 1,100 lives. Our thoughts today go first of all to the relatives who lost their loved ones, to the injured and all those affected by the Rana Plaza tragedy. But this is also time to look back at what has already been done in those last three years to improve the situation of Bangladeshi garment workers,” said the statement. The active engagement of the EU, Bangladesh and other concerned partners has brought tangible progress on the ground. A number of labour rights are better protected in Bangladesh today than they were two years ago. The building and workplace safety have also improved. “Nevertheless, essential reforms – not least as regards the effective respect of trade union rights and promotion of genuine social dialogue – are still needed to ensure a better future for Bangladeshi garment industry workers,” said the statement. As a partner in the Bangladesh Sustainability Compact, the EU – together with the government of Bangladesh, the International Labour Organisation (ILO), and the governments of the US and Canada – regularly assesses progress and contributes to setting priorities for future work, with a view to foster respect for fundamental labour rights and ensure worker safety and health in the Bangladeshi garment sector, according to the statement. In the coming weeks, the EU will publish a third report on the implementation of the Compact, which will provide a detailed overview of achievements and of work that remains to be done. The EU said close cooperation of all actors is the most effective way forward. “The EU’s commitment remains unchanged: the EU will remain closely engaged to bring lasting improvements to Bangladesh’s garment industry and ensure that the EU’s open market helps to spur prosperity into the country,” it added. The statement also noted that a high-level event on the garment sector is being held in Dhaka today (April 25, Monday) to promote successful existing initiatives. Commissioner for International Cooperation and Development, Neven Mimica, Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs, Skills and Labour Mobility, Marianne Thyssen, the Dutch Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation, Lilianne Ploumen and the State Minister of Labour and Employment for Bangladesh, Mujibul Haque Chunnu are expected to attend. In October 2015, the EU contributed €3 million to the G7’s “Vision Zero Fund” to improve working conditions and labour standards, and establish sustainable business practices in producing countries.
