TU rights in EPZs mulled
Export Processing Zone (EPZ) Act would be amended to indemnify trade unions (TUs) at factories in EPZs, Commerce Minister Tofail Ahmed said yesterday.
According to the demand of European Union (EU) business partners, he also said: "The government has taken a number of initiatives that include allowing trade union activity at EPZ factories as it is workers' basic right."
The commerce minister came up with the assertion while speaking as the chief guest at the inaugural programme of Bangladesh Denim Expo 2017 at International Convention City Bashundhara (ICCB) in the capital.
He said: "EU is an important destination for us as more than 54 percent readymade garments are being exported to EU countries. We won't like to interrupt that market as we want to continue our relations with the EU business partners." Recently, European Parliament delegation visited in Bangladesh and said the workers of EPZ have the right to form TU as it is their right.
There are many factories where trade unions exist which are out of the EPZ but a huge number of industries are yet to form trade unions there. Mostafiz Uddin, Founder and CEO of Bangladesh Denim Expo, said that the Bangladesh Denim Expo is considered as an international strategic hub to attract the most interesting and innovative denim-related projects.
He also said a strategic vision that has allowed the show to mark a continuous growth in terms of visitors, spaces and exhibitors. For the sixth edition exhibitors, there are 12 countries including China, Turkey, Spain, Italy, Pakistan, Japan, San Marino, Germany, Brazil, India, Hong Kong and Bangladesh participating in the expo for showing their product.
He said the 'Trend Zone' area, the unique space dedicated to showcase the latest denim trends and most innovative products, has been expanded in parallel, incorporating a new information exchange zone where visitors are gaining insight in denim fabrics, styling and finishing available in Bangladesh.
Source: https://dailyasianage.com