GENEVA – The International Labour Organization (ILO) says it is monitoring ongoing labour unrest in Bangladesh’s Ready-Made Garment (RMG) sector and other industries. The unrest stems from a range of worker grievances and the ILO has acknowledged the complexity of the situation. It is calling for constructive dialogue between employers, factory owners, workers, and government representatives.
The ILO said all parties must engage in good faith to collaboratively develop fair and equitable solutions that protect workers’ rights while ensuring the economic sustainability of the factories.
The ILO also praised the RMG industry for reaching a landmark agreement between workers and employers in Ashulia, a district on the outskirts of Dhaka, on September 24. This agreement followed several days of escalating labour unrest and has raised hopes for improved industrial relations and long-term peace within the sector.
The ILO highlighted that social dialogue—bringing together stakeholders to resolve disputes and find solutions—is essential for good governance. This process, the organisation noted, not only supports sustainable business practices and better working conditions but also contributes to the broader goal of advancing social justice and decent work for all.
The ILO also pointed to several key areas where reforms are urgently needed. One critical area is wage structure and policy reform, where the ILO is advocating for the development of a gender-responsive national wage policy based on solid evidence. This reform would ensure regular and fair wage setting, addressing wage-related grievances and moving toward the provision of living wages. The ILO also called for the establishment of sectoral wage boards and stronger collective bargaining mechanisms to prevent and resolve conflicts related to wages and working conditions.
In addition, labour law reform is seen as a priority. The ILO recommended amending the Bangladesh Labour Act to align it with international labour standards. This would extend protections to workers in the informal sector and in export processing zones (EPZs). The organisation also called for reforms to labour dispute resolution mechanisms, enhanced wage protections, and streamlined processes for trade union registration.
The ILO called for a robust and transparent national industrial relations system. Such a system, it argued, is essential for addressing labour disputes early and preventing their escalation into violence. It also recommended the creation of an independent alternative dispute resolution institution and reforms to the labour court system to improve case management. Addressing anti-union discrimination, the ILO noted, is a vital step toward promoting long-term industrial peace.
The ILO encouraged the Government of Bangladesh to ratify OSH conventions No. 155 and No. 187 and develop a comprehensive national OSH system. This, the ILO argued, would promote a safety culture across all sectors of the economy.
The ILO has also called on all stakeholders to collaborate on improving the industrial relations system through constructive social dialogue. Such cooperation, it stressed, is crucial not only for the stability of the RMG sector but also for the broader economic and social well-being of Bangladesh. The ILO expressed optimism that through shared efforts, peaceful and productive industrial relations can be achieved to the benefit of all parties involved.
In related developments, ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo met with Dr. Mohammad Yunus, the Honourable Chief Adviser, during the United Nations General Assembly in New York on September 26, 2024. Their discussions focused on the priorities of the interim Government, particularly in relation to employment creation, labor reforms, and the role of the ILO in supporting these initiatives.
