Apparel exporters have declared their intention to enforce Section 13/1 of the labour law, commonly referred to as the ‘no work, no pay’ rule, against workers involved in unrest or those unwilling to fulfil their work duties.
Faruque Hassan, the President of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), announced this decision during an emergency general meeting held at the BGMEA headquarters in Uttara, Dhaka, recently.
Approximately 200 factory owners convened at the Uttara office to voice their concerns.
Section 13/1 of the labour law stipulates that in the event of an illegal strike in any section or department of an establishment, the employer has the authority to either partially or wholly close down that particular section or establishment.
AK Azad, the Managing Director of Hameem Group, advocated for implementing the closure decision on an area-specific basis.
He proposed that factories located in areas experiencing unrest and acts of vandalism should be officially declared closed.
Many entrepreneurs supported AK Azad’s proposal, and BGMEA Vice-President Arshad Jamal emphasised that the ‘no work, no pay’ approach would be followed on days when factories remain closed due to labour unrest.
He urged collective agreement on this matter.
