Country Report -Bangladesh Trade Union Capacity Building for Decent Work (18-28 March 2013 Turin, Italy) Submitted by: Siddiqa Mohol Member, Executive Committee Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Sramik Dal- BJSD

Major Policy Changes Closure of loosing industries Privatisations Chang of Recruitment Policy (Outsourching …) Enacted of special economic zone act with restriction of the trade union rights Established EPZ

Major Problems facing workers Regarding right to organise: Downsizing the formal sector Restriction of Labour Law Increasing women workforce in garments, service and informal sectors without security and other basic rights like fare and equal pay etc. Expansion of informal sector, specially the construction and post agro-based industry without legal protection

Major Problems facing workers: Increasing number of contract labour and temporary labour Increasing child labour in hazardous occupations High unemployment among youth Low organising rate in trade union Lack of health safety at workplace Lack of Social Security. Inadequate Labour inspection

Situation of Women Workers Harassment Discrimination No job security Lack of Maternity protection Indecent behaviour Over burden ( family responsibility…) Lack of scope to join TU

Decent Work Country Programme From its inception, Bangladesh was involved with Decent Work Programme ( 2006-2009) & ( 2012-2015). Bangladesh the current DWCP contributes to reducing poverty through inclusive growth and decent employment as its overarching framework.

BJSD involvement with DWCP My National centre, BJSD directly Involved with the DWCP programme including the evaluation of first phase country programme (2006-2009).

Situation regarding the ratification of ILS A total of 33 ILO Convention has yet been ratified by the Bangladesh Government. Bangladesh has ratified most of the ILO conventions, particularly 7 of the 8 ILO CLS. Lobby – advocacy by the trade union movement of the country to ratify the convention no. 189 regarding the domestic workers.

Trade Unionism in BANGLADESH Historical Background The TU movement, which started its journey in this region in around 1921, has a long history of struggle. TU played a vital role in the fights against colonial oppressions both during British and Pakistani regime. It had an outstanding contribution in the war of liberation and all the democratic movements of the country.

Memberships Total Members of Basic Unions : 19,69,614 Total Basic Unions : 5242 (organised worker: 4.44%) National Trade Union Federations : 33 Total Union under NF : 1274 Total Membership : 12,54,500 Workers organised with national federation membership 2.83% Organised members but not within national federations: 7,15,114 Trade Union but not affiliated with National Federations: 3968

Main Challenges of TU Updating of labour law to increase coverage Only 20% of total workforce covered by the Labour Law). Enforcement of Law: Presently structural weakness of enforcement, lack of logistic support of the inspection department, implementation of labour law is very weak.. Free & fair exercise of Trade Union Rights Normally there is a strong opposition by employer group towards formulation of Trade Union and Government role also supported to them. Organising is the informal sectors workers Inadequate wage Improve Health and Safety condition Unemployment Union Structure

Main Priorities of Trade Union Capacity and skill development Face impact of a Privatization, Reform and Restructuring Women Empowerment Integrate more women in Trade Union * *

Main Priorities of Trade Union…cont. Build alliance. Organise informal sector and casual workers. Restore Trade Union image Organising Youth Lobby & Advocacy to ensure decent work

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