Trade union leaders for transparent, inclusive incentive in RMG sector
Collected
Trade union leaders have demanded swift, transparent and inclusive implementation of the financial stimulus packages announced by the federal government to avoid adverse impact of coronavirus pandemic on Bangladesh’s RMG sector.
A report conducted by BRAC Institute of Governance and Development (BIGD) within its ‘Rapid Research Response to COVID-19’ revealed the information. The results of the research and recommendations were presented in a webinar organised by BIGD on Thursday.
Some trade union leaders praised the government's incentive packages as a timely move, in addition they questioned its adequacy.
The labour leaders say they feel that you'll be able to meet only 51 percent of the necessity for three months' wages through the announced packages.
Among the workers' leaders said small factories needed more cooperation although in reality larger factories are ahead in taking facilities from the federal government.
Bangladesh may be the second-largest exporter of RMG products after China. The sector employs over four million workers, mostly women. The sector was hit hard after coronavirus pandemic led to the cancellation or suspension of orders greater than $3 billion by buyers.
Bangladesh Bank Executive Director Dr Habibur Rahman said the announced Tk 5,000 cr package for the RMG sector is a type of loan which has to be repaid eventually.
“As this must be repaid there should be no misuse of the incentive. Risky and weak organizations have to have regular activities and there must be proof that they have been paying the workers,” he said.
He also said that how much the stimulus packages could be increased if necessary.
“I believe if everything is alright and the package is successfully distributed then it can be increased if necessary,” he said, noting that speedy implementation would depend on other parties involved.
BIGD Research Lead Maheen Sultan presented the research data. He said the incentive amount will not be enough to pay the salaries and allowances of most workers.
She noted that because of employers' anti-labour sentiments and their misuse of government incentives during the past, RMG employees have lost faith.
BIGD put forward a set of proposals to make certain that the stimulus package announced are more worker-friendly which include the revision of the incentive intend to improve inclusiveness; revision of operational guidelines to ensure prompt disbursement; activate the Tripartite Consultative Council (TCC) for the RMG sector for effective monitoring.
Also read: Coronavirus: Experts for prudent monetary recovery plan for Bangladesh
The webinar, hosted by BIGD Executive Director Imran Matin, featured Bangladesh Garments and Industrial Workers Federation General Secretary Babul Akter, Awaaz Foundation Founder and Executive Director Nazma Akhter and Bangladesh Garments Sramik Shanghati President Taslima Akter among others.
Source: http://www.theindependentbd.com
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