US trade delegation presses BGMEA on labour rights, union formation

The US Trade Representative delegation focused on exercising labour rights, freedom of trade union formation, and ensuring fair prices during a meeting with the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) in Dhaka on Monday (22 April).

BGMEA President SM Mannan Kochi, representing the domestic apparel industry, discussed critical issues surrounding bilateral trade and policies including workers' rights, well-being, and market access matters with the delegation.

Led by Brendan Lynch, assistant US Trade representative for South and Central Asia, the USTR delegation also comprised the organisation's Director for South and Central Asia Emily Ashby and Director for Labour Affairs Jennifer Oetken.

The USTR delegates appreciated the progress Bangladesh made in a few areas like the labour rights sector. They also said that there is still room for improvements in sectors like amendments to the Labour Act.

Regarding the meeting, BGMEA Director Shovon Islam told TBS that the attitude of the USTR delegates in yesterday's meeting was very positive.

"We cannot say that all our activities have fulfilled their demands, but they have expressed satisfaction with our progress. We have been working on the formation of trade unions for a long, they have suggested simplifying the process of forming it," he added.

He also said in the recent draft of the Labour Act, they made significant changes as per the International Labour Organization (ILO), EU and USA's recommendations.

However, they further suggested that there are still scopes for the amendments to the Bangladesh Labour Act and asked manufacturers to reconsider it.

"Violence in the industry is decreasing, and they support this process," he added.

Shovon also said that the US delegation presented the issue of fair price at the meeting.

"The delegates said that they discussed it with the brands and buyers. We need to continue working on enhancing our global image. Creating a positive global perception will accelerate the fair price issues," he added.

He further said that they guide them in various matters regarding labour rights and bilateral trade issues. A positive labour condition is a must in getting a Generalized System of Preferences (GSP).

During the discussions, the BGMEA president shared updates on the significant progress made by the ready-made garment industry regarding workplace safety, workers' rights, and ongoing labour law reforms in Bangladesh.

He also sought the support and collaboration of the US government to ensure a fair minimum price of apparel and a unified code of conduct for social audits.

He also demanded the US government reinstate GSP in favour of Bangladesh and include garment items in its GSP programme.

Kochi reiterated the commitment and ongoing efforts of the government of Bangladesh and of the industry to make further progress in workers' rights and welfare issues.

Meanwhile, BGMEA is repeatedly urging duty-free access to the US as the country is seeking a cotton market, and Bangladesh wants to increase exports to the USA. If the country offers them a duty-free market for cotton products, the raw materials imports from the country will increase as well.

The meeting highlighted the importance of collaboration and engagement towards making the RMG industry more sustainable.

US Embassy in Dhaka Economic Unit Chief Joseph Giblin and Labor Attaché Leena Khan were also present at the meeting.

The BGMEA side was headed by its president and included Senior Vice President Khandoker Rafiqul Islam, Vice President (Finance) Md Nasir Uddin and Vice President Abdullah Hil Rakib.

Directors of BGMEA Asif Ashraf, Shovon Islam, Mohammad Sohel Sadat, Md Ashikur Rahman (Tuhin), Shams Mahmud, Nusrat Bari Asha, and Chair of BGMEA Standing Committee on ILO and Labour Affairs ANM Saifuddin were also present.