Govt okays extension of maternity leave for workers to 120 days

Photo: PID

The cabinet has given its final approval to the Bangladesh Labour Act (Amendment) 2023 with an extension of maternity leave for workers.

"Several modifications were made to the Bangladesh Labour Act (Amendment) 2023 to safeguard the welfare of workers and align with International Labor Organization (ILO) standards," Cabinet Secretary Mahbub Hossain told the media after the meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, held at the Prime Minister's Office on Monday. 

The Bangladesh Labour Act of 2006 stipulated a maternity leave of 16 weeks or 112 days, with workers required to divide the leave equally before and after childbirth. In the amendment, maternity leave has been extended by an additional eight days to 120, allowing workers to take the entire leave either before or after childbirth, said Mahbub Hossain.

Furthermore, the government introduced significant changes regarding trade unions. Factories employing over 3,000 workers can now establish a trade union with the endorsement of 15% of the workers. However, in establishments with up to 3,000 workers, a minimum of 20% of the workforce must join the trade union as before.

In cases of group of companies, a trade union can be formed with the participation of 20% of the workers, as opposed to the previous requirement of 30% stated in the Labour Act of 2006.

The amendment also incorporates a new provision for expediting the disposal of workers' cases, as noted by the cabinet secretary. Now, any party unsatisfied with a labour court's judgment can appeal to the Appellate Division.

The amendment also explicitly states that workers shall face no discrimination based on caste, creed, or caste. The law also mandates the provision of a conducive work environment and training institutes.

The cabinet secretary mentioned that the prime minister directed the formulation of laws pertaining to the construction of deep-sea ports.

The cabinet gave the final approval to the draft of Local Government (Union Parishad) (Amendment) Act, 2013 with a provision to appoint administrators in Union Parishad if a new public representative is not elected after their five-year tenure expires.

 "The government can appoint administrators in Union Parishad after their tenure expires as per the draft law," said the cabinet secretary.

With the proposed changes, a UP chairman cannot stay in his post or avail the government allowance after his tenure ends.

The cabinet secretary also said the post of UP secretary is being changed to UP administrative officer.