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Call to form trade unions at garment factories

28 April 2010, 18:00 PM

METROPOLITAN

Staff Correspondent

Shipping Minister Shajahan Khan called on workers yesterday to take a concerted step to form trade unions (TUs) at all garment factories across the country. “If workers remain united, it is possible to form trade unions at all garment factories. Trade unionism is a must to ensure just wage and rights of workers and to maintain peace in the sector.” The minister made the call at a seminar on 'Emerging risk and new pattern of prevention in a changing world of work' at the National Press Club in the city marking the International Commemoration Day for Dead and Injured Workers and World Day for Safety and Health at Work. Criticising garment factory owners, he said the government could not achieve significant success to convince them to form trade union in the RMG sector. About the ship-breaking sector, Shajahan said over 100 organisations and around 50,000 workers are involved in the sector. So, it would not be a wise decision to put an end to the industry. He suggested that the workers use all the necessary equipment like hand gloves and caps during their working period to prevent health hazards. The government is working to amend the Labour Law-2006 to make it time befitting and worker-friendly, the minister added. He admitted that the government fails to implement different laws due to indifferent attitude of bureaucrats. State Minister for Labour and Employment Begum Monnujan Sufian stressed the need for ensuring maximum security of workers at their workplaces and infrastructural development of garment factories to minimise mortalities. She also called on the workers to remain conscious of their rights, which are preserved in the existing laws. Oshe Chairperson Saki Rezwana presided over the seminar while Jatiya Sramik League President Abdul Matin Master and Sramik Karmachari Oikya Parishad Coordinator Dr Wajedul Islam Khan also spoke.