Workers Resource Centre launched to enhance capacity of trade unions in Bangladesh garment sector
DHAKA, April 11 (NsNewsWire) — Workers Resource Centre (WRC) which aims to build the capacity of trade unions in the
Bangladesh Ready Made Garment (RMG) sector was launched at a ceremony held today in
Dhaka.
A joint platform between two leading worker organizations – the National Coordination
Committee on Workers Education (NCCWE) and the IndustriALL Bangladesh Council (IBC)
the WRC will help trade unions operate more effectively and provide better services to their
members.
The initiative is supported by the International Labour Organization (ILO)’s Social Dialogue
and Harmonious Industrial Relations project funded by Sweden and Denmark.
Speaking as a Chief Guest at the event, Mr. Hasanul Haq Inu, Minister of Information
welcomed the launch of the WRC. “The WRC should lead to a more effective union
movement by fostering a culture of consultation, capacity building and information sharing.
To ensure good governance in the RMG sector, dialogue and cooperation are critical. I hope
that this process can go beyond the RMG industry and benefit workers in other sectors.”
The WRC will provide various services including advocacy, awareness raising and training
on workers’ rights, dispute resolution, grievance handling, negotiation, collective bargaining
as well as occupational safety and health. A team of paralegals is being put in place to
provide legal advice to trade unions and federations to help address labour grievances and
disputes. A call centre will help union members who wish to make complaints or ask advice.
The WRC will also help promote the active participation of women in trade unions.
The WRC is run by a Board of Trustees representing the NCCWE and IBC federations. The
WRC chair and vice chair posts will rotate amongst the Board of Trustees on a six monthly
basis while the Board of Trustees will serve a two-year term.
Mr. Sukkur Mahmud, President, Jatiyo Sramik League and Chairperson of the WRC
highlighted how the new body would help create a stronger union movement, “The Workers
Resource Centre will help build capacity as well as address fragmentation amongst trade
unions operating in the garment sector. Ultimately, this will benefit workers and employers
alike.
Mr. Razequzzaman Ratan, Member-Secretary of NCCWE pointed out that without a
congenial workplace atmosphere harmonious development cannot possible. “As an
institution WRC will help workers to know more about laws and regulations, increase the
ability of unions and improve dispute settlement skills. Through the WRC our workers will
become more confident. Thanks must go to ILO, Sweden and Denmark for helping to create
such a centre for workers.”
Meanwhile, Mr. Towhidur Rahman, Secretary General, IndustriALL Bangladesh Council
highlighted the benefits the WRC would deliver at enterprise level. “Many new unions have
formed in the RMG sector over recent years but it takes time and considerable expertise for
a union to operate effectively. Through its support the Workers Resource Centre will help
unions learn how to better negotiate agreements and represent its workers in RMG
factories.”
Speaking at the event, Mr. Kamran T. Rahman, President of the Bangladesh Employer’s
Federation (BEF) noted the role WRC will play in facilitating industrial relations. “The
success of the Bangladesh RMG industry is built on a partnership between employers and
workers. Any initiative that helps build industrial relations in a positive manner and the
industry to grow further should be welcomed.”
Representing the ILO, Kishore Kumar Singh said, “The launch of the WRC marks an
important step in the strengthening of the trade union movement in Bangladesh. ILO will
continue to work closely with the Government, employers and workers organisations to help
facilitate and promote better social dialogue in the RMG sector and beyond.”
Delwar Hossain Khan, General Secretary of Bangladesh Labour Federation and Z.M.
Kamrul Anam, Vice Chairman of the Workers Resource Centre were also present at the
event.
The WRC office has been established in Tongi, an RMG-hub area close to Dhaka. The
premises are currently being renovated and once complete will host worker and trade union
training, meetings and conferences. The launch ceremony for the WRC took place at the
Centre on Integrated Rural Development for Asia and the Pacific (CIRDAP). press release