BANGLADESH: Labour groups urge end to worker repression
By just-style.com | 6 August 2010
Labour and human rights groups in the US, Canada and Europe have accused the Bangladeshi government of repressing clothing workers after it tried to crack down on labour rights advocates leading public protests for better pay.
The groups say leaders of apparel workers organisations were last week forced into hiding to escape arrest and beatings.
And they claim criminal charges were filed against the staff of the Bangladesh Center for Worker Solidarity (BCWS) for inciting worker unrest following worker protests at Bangladeshi manufacturer Nassa Global Wear and demonstrations calling for a US$72 (BDT5000) monthly minimum wage.
“The Bangladesh government should immediately stop their witch hunt against garment workers and their organisations,” said Tessel Pauli of the Europe-based Clean Clothes Campaign.
Bangladeshi apparel workers are pressing for increases in the country’s minimum wage, which was last week raised to US$42 (BDT3000) per month. While this is an 80% increased on the previous monthly minimum of $24 (BDT1,662), which had been in place since 2006, Bangladeshi apparel workers still earn less than their counterparts anywhere else in the world the labour groups say.
The labour groups – which include the International Labor Rights Forum, SweatFree Communities, Maquila Solidarity Network, United Students Against Sweatshops, the Clean Clothes Campaign, and the Worker Rights Consortium – claim the charges are the latest in a series of attempts by the government to restrict the work of BCWS and its members.
In particular, they say the government revoked BCWS’ registration on 3 June, effectively cancelling its license to operate.
Bangladesh is one of the prime manufacturing locations for most of the world’s best known apparel brands and retailers, including Wal-Mart, Gap, H&M, Marks & Spencer, and Tesco, but also has the lowest wages and some of the poorest working conditions.
Labour rights groups are calling on these brands and retailers, and the Bangladesh government, to demand an immediate stop to the repression of BCWS and “to insist on fair treatment of workers and their advocates.”
Sectors: Apparel, Manufacturing, Social & environmental responsibility
Companies: Wal-Mart, H&M, Marks & Spencer, Tesco
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