The International Labour Organization (ILO) has identified five key areas for reform, including changes to wage structures and policies, alongside amendments to labour laws aimed at addressing the ongoing unrest in Bangladesh’s readymade garment sector.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the ILO’s Dhaka office stated that it is closely monitoring the labour unrest in the ready-made garment (RMG) sector and other industries, which stems from a range of worker grievances.

This situation highlights significant systemic issues that require urgent attention and resolution.

The ILO has outlined several areas where action is necessary, suggesting the development of an evidence-based, gender-responsive national wage policy, which is vital for fair and consistent wage setting.

Reforming the minimum wage mechanism and ensuring inclusive consultations between employers and workers will help address wage-related grievances, including the move towards providing living wages.

It added that sectoral wage boards and strong collective bargaining mechanisms must be established to prevent and de-escalate unrest related to wages and working conditions.

The organisation also called for amendments to the Bangladesh Labour Act, in line with international labour standards, to expand coverage to all workers, including those in the informal sector and export processing zones (EPZs).

Reforms should strengthen mechanisms for resolving labour disputes, enhance wage protections, and simplify the processes for trade union registration.

A robust and transparent national industrial relations system is essential for addressing disputes early and preventing them from escalating into violence.

The ILO noted that this should include the introduction of an independent alternative dispute resolution institution and reforms to the labour court system to improve case management.

‘Addressing anti-union discrimination cases is also a vital step towards promoting industrial peace.’

The Employment Injury Scheme, currently being piloted for garment workers, should be institutionalised, legislated, and gradually extended to other sectors.

Establishing a comprehensive social protection system, aligned with ILO conventions, will enhance workers’ safety and well-being while boosting Bangladesh’s global competitiveness.

The ILO also urged the government of Bangladesh to ratify Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) conventions No. 155 and No. 187 and to develop a comprehensive national OSH system, stating that this will promote a culture of safety across all sectors of the economy.

While acknowledging the complexities surrounding these challenges, the ILO underscored the importance of constructive dialogue among employers, factory owners, workers, and government representatives.

It is essential for all parties to engage in good faith, working collaboratively towards fair and equitable solutions that uphold workers’ rights while ensuring the economic sustainability of factories.

The ILO commended the RMG industry for the landmark agreement reached between workers and employers in Bangladesh’s Ashulia area, on the outskirts of Dhaka, on 24 September, following days of escalating labour unrest.

This agreement has raised hopes for harmonious industrial relations and long-term peace in the sector.

Social dialogue, which involves collaboration among different stakeholders to find solutions and resolve disputes, is a crucial tool for good governance.

‘It not only supports sustainable business practices and better working conditions but also contributes to advancing social justice and decent work for all,’ the ILO stated.

The ILO called on all stakeholders to work towards improving the industrial relations system through constructive social dialogue for both the stability of the RMG sector and the broader economic and social well-being of Bangladesh.

Meanwhile, at least 65 factories suspended operations on Sunday in Savar, Ashulia, and Zirani until noon, according to sources.

Of the 65 factories, 14 are closed in line with labour law provision 13(1), which states ‘no work, no pay’.

The remaining 51 announced a holiday because workers either did not report for duty or left their factories after arriving in the morning, they added.

One factory in Gazipur remained closed on the day.

Workers in the Ashulia and Gazipur industrial belts have been protesting since 29 August over demands for increased allowances, timely wage payments, arrears, and wage hikes, forcing several units to suspend production.