Bangladesh’s claim for restoration of Generalised System of Preference (GSP) is reportedly gaining momentum, with the Bangladesh EPZ Labour Law 2016 all set to be introduced in the Parliament for its approval. The Cabinet has reportedly already given its go-ahead to the draft of the law, which will supersede the EPZ Workers’ Welfare and Industrial Relations Act 2010.
Under the new rules, 30 per cent workers of a factory would have to ask the Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (BEPZA), the regulatory body for the EPZs, for the formation of the workers welfare associations – which will reportedly act as the collective bargaining agents (CBAs), similar to trade unions – by filling in a form.
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It may be mentioned here that allowing trade unions in the EPZ factories was the last of the 16 conditions laid down by the United States Trade Representative to regain the GSP. United States Trade Representative is the chief trade negotiation body for the US Government.
At present, there are more than 4.4 lakh workers employed in the 453 factories in eight EPZs with another 121 factories reportedly under construction. In fiscal 2014-15, the EPZ factories reportedly exported goods worth US $6.11 billion.
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It may be mentioned here that addressing a Bangladeshi delegation recently, US Congresswoman Grace Meng reportedly said that the GSP facility needs to be restored for the economic development of Bangladesh. This she said to the five-member Bangladeshi delegation, led by Bangladeshi American Democratic League President Khorshed Khandaker, accompanied by US Awami League President Siddiqur Rahman, acting General Secretary Abdus Samad Azad, Vice-President Abul Kashem and Executive Member Shahanara Rahman, who all met her recently to discuss on the GSP issue.
