Several trade union leaders have demanded a living wage, safe workplace, job security and the right to form unions for workers in the Bangladesh’s industrial sectors. The leaders of several federations made the demands, while addressing the May Day rally, under their respective federation in front of National Press Club in Dhaka on Sunday. “Ensure a safe workplace for RMG workers, allow trade unions in each factory of Bangladesh, grant a living wage for all the workers,” Nazma Akter, president of Sommilito Garments Sramik Federation, said. Nazma urged the factory owners to provide six-month maternity leave and 20% employment opportunity for disabled people. She also urged the government to ensure compensation for industrial accidents as per ILO Convention 121 and a 20% yearly increment along with two festival bonuses equal to the full wage. “Occupation health and safety is very important for a worker. While a safe workplace and a healthy working environment are needed for better production,” Sirajul Islam Rony, president of Bangladesh Garment Workers’ Employee League said. Meanwhile, people with different disabilities called the owners to ensure their employment as per their capacity to include themselves in the development process. People with disabilities have the right to exercise labour and trade union rights on an equal basis like the others, said leaders of Disabled Child Foundation. The government as well as private sector entrepreneurs have to create employment opportunities for the disabled in order to power their working capability, he said. “Though, I am physically challenged, I have the capacity to do something. I do not want to beg, I want an opportunity to earn,” Milan, a physically-challenged person who took part in a May day rally in front of the Press Club, told the Dhaka Tribune. The physically challenged have to be included in productive work so they can contribute to the country as well as bear their own living expenses, he added.
