The European Commission has pressed the Bangladeshi authorities for considerable efforts to improve labour conditions in the readymade garment sector, observing that ensuring workers’ rights remains a challenge for the sector. In a technical status report of Bangladesh Sustainability Compact, the executive body of the European Union said that sizeable efforts still needed to be made, in particular on workers’ rights, to ensure real change in the area. The EC on Friday released its third annual report on progress achieved in the Bangladeshi garment sector through the Sustainability Compact, an international response to the 2013 Rana Plaza building collapse that killed more than 1,100 people mostly garment workers. The report said the Compact contributed to opening a dialogue and supporting exchanges on working conditions in the garment sector with stakeholders, including trade unions, employers, buyers and NGOs in the EU, as well as in Bangladesh and tangible improvements were achieved in enhancing building and workplace safety in the Bangladesh garment industry. ‘However, progress relating to workers’ rights has been more challenging,’ the EC report said. The EC drew attention to the need for more effective investigation and prosecution of alleged cases of anti-union discrimination and unfair labour practices. It anticipated further development of labour-related legislation and enforcement of the existing rules, in full compliance with the fundamental rights to freedom of association and collective bargaining, as defined by the International Labour Organisation. ‘This is of particular importance and urgency following the deep concerns noted by the ILO Committee on Application of Standards regarding the freedom of association and protection of the rights to organise. It is important that Bangladesh addresses the Committee’s recommendations as a matter of immediate priority,’ the report said. The EC report also said that rights should be granted to all workers without exception, including to those in the export processing zones.On administrative aspects, the report directed to the need for a new strategy for safety inspections and remediation, ensuring effective coordination between key Bangladeshi regulators with competences in that area. It also made call for further reinforcement of administrative capacities through recruitment and training of inspectors and for a full transparency as regards the outcomes of factory inspections. Further to that, the report highlighted the need for continuous education, training and capacity building on issues such as labour rights, and occupational safety and health. The report recommended a strong longer-term engagement with international private companies involved in business operations in Bangladesh, which have been key in bringing progress on the ground over the last years. The Sustainability Compact was launched in July 2013 based on short- and long-term commitments related to respect for labour rights, structural integrity of buildings and occupational safety and health and responsible business conduct in the RMG industry in Bangladesh. The initiative brings together the European Union, the government of Bangladesh, the United States, Canada as well as the ILO.
