Trades Union Congress (TUC), the voice of 50 affiliated unions in the UK, has called on the European Parliament (EP) to investigate trade concessions Bangladesh is enjoying in exporting goods to Europe. Its call came following the recent crackdown on the garment workers in Ashulia who were agitating for raising pay. “We are asking MEPs (members of European Parliament) to support the immediate launch of an investigation under the GSP (generalised system of preference) into the serious and systematic violations of fundamental labour rights in the country,” TUC said in an appeal to the EP. Bangladesh exports its products free of duty to the European Union market under generalised system of preference (GSP) facility. The TUC secretary general, Frances O’Grady, said despite Dhaka’s commitment to the EU Sustainability Compact after Rana Plaza tragedy in 2013 for legislative reforms and respect fundamental labour rights, the government of Bangladesh has instead engaged in widespread and systemic violations of the right to freedom of association. “While the situation has been serious for some years, the matter is even more urgent today,” he said referring to “all-out nationwide attack on trade union activists and organisations operating in the garment sector”. The TU leader also blamed the European Commission for stubbornly refusing to undertake a GSP investigation, in the plea of more dialogue. “It is also clear, from the brazen nature of the recent actions against trade unionists, that the government of Bangladesh feels that it is acting with impunity,” he added. The TUC insisted that the EU must continue its dialogue in the context of an investigation, “which will demonstrate to the government of Bangladesh that the EU is serious about promoting human rights in its external relations.” Terming such investigation a mere enforcement of the EU’s own existing regulation, the TUC maintained that Bangladesh would have ample time under such an investigation to come into compliance before any threat of loss of benefits.
