ILO calls for further improvements in Bangladesh textile factories

At an ILO-EU stocktaking meeting in Brussels, ILO Deputy Director-General Sandra Polaski said that the Government of Bangladesh has made important progress to ensure labour rights and factory safety in the ready-made garment industry in Bangladesh since 2013, but  emphasized that a lot of work still remains to be done, urgently in some areas. 
The meeting reviewed the actions outlined in the Sustainability Compact, an agreement signed by the ILO, the European Commission, the Governments of Bangladesh and the US in July 2013, and identified areas still in need of improvement, some of them requiring urgent interventions.

Among the positive developments it is worth noting the amendments made to the Bangladesh Labour Act, the registration of new trade unions and the implementation of safety inspections. The fact that public inspection services have been given more resources and that a national occupational safety and health policy was adopted, are important steps forward.

Nevertheless, Polaski underscored that important improvements are still required. The Bangladesh Labour Act must be effectively enforced and implemented, the establishment and registration of trade unions must be made easier and the right to strike should be protected. Further, the government should bring the Bangladesh Labour Act and the legislation covering the Export Processing Zones into compliance with international labour standards. The survivors of the Rana Plaza building collapse should receive skills training and rehabilitation. (link to original article here)