Provisions in amended 'labour law' may worsen owner-worker relations: BKMEA
The business body also alleged that the amendments were introduced ignoring recommendations from the tripartite consultative committee, which included representatives from workers, employers, and the government. The ignorance could create instability in the sector.
The Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) has raised objections to at least four provisions in the amended labour law ordinance introduced by the then-interim government, warning that these changes could intensify tensions between factory owners and workers.
The business body also alleged that the amendments were introduced ignoring recommendations from the tripartite consultative committee, which included representatives from workers, employers, and the government. The ignorance could create instability in the sector.
BKMEA leaders made the allegations at a press conference at the organisation's Banglamotor office in the capital yesterday, urging the government to review the amendments carefully before passing them and to adopt more practical, balanced decisions.
The amended provisions include bringing officers and employees under the scope of labour law benefits, provisions related to termination benefits for workers, conditions for forming Collective Bargaining Agents, and requirements regarding the minimum number of workers for provident fund eligibility.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
Currently, officers and employees are not classified as "workers" under the law and therefore do not receive the same service benefits. The amended ordinance proposes including them within this framework – a move strongly opposed by BKMEA.
Speaking at the event, BKMEA President Mohammad Hatem questioned the rationale behind the change, arguing that officers and employees already receive additional benefits through contractual agreements. "Why should they again be entitled to worker-level service benefits?" he said.
He also criticised those involved in drafting the amendments during the previous administration, accusing them of acting against national interests, and urged the current parliament to reassess the provisions and make realistic decisions.
When asked whether revising the ordinance could invite international pressure, Hatem responded that the industry should not be compelled to accept "irrational" measures.
Referring to guidance from the International Labour Organization discouraging such practices, Hatem said there is no formal mechanism for blacklisting workers in the sector's database. However, he disagreed with a blanket ban on the concept.
He argued that some form of restriction exists in many sectors globally. Drawing comparisons, he noted that individuals dismissed from government jobs for misconduct often cannot be rehired in similar roles. "That is also a kind of blacklisting," he said, adding that even countries impose sanctions on individuals and organisations.
Hatem stressed that while genuine workers are not blacklisted, those involved in violence, arson, or factory vandalism should face strict measures. "Those who set factories on fire or destroy property are not workers but criminals," he said, suggesting that provisions to identify and act against such individuals are justified.
Senior BKMEA leaders were also present at the press conference.
