Dhaka, Bangladesh (BBN)- Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) has termed the amendment to the labour law a "timely initiative" saying it has incorporated a good number of provisions to protect the workers' rights.
Some provisions like formation of trade union has been made easier in the new bill, the apparel apex body said in a statement on Tuesday.
At the same time, the BGMEA sought assistance from all so that the industry does not suffer from the law's abuse.
Considering the garment industry, the labour law has been made time-befitting by enhancing benefits for workers, specially ensuring the workplace and health safety, education and developing the workers and owners relations.
The apparel apex body hailed the provision of incorporating 10 percent women representative in the trade union executive committee if the factory has 20 percent women workforce saying 80 per cent of the garment workers are women.
The mandatory group insurance policy, permanent health centre incorporated in the new bill will ensure workers rights, the trade group said.
It termed provisions that include the formation of a central fund by the buyers and the owners for the employed beneficiaries of 100 percent export-oriented industries and wholly foreign-owned companies, fund governing board, fixation of fund, collection and policy of using the fund, realistic.
The BGMEA also welcomed the provision of not changing factory lay out plan without factory inspector's approval.
BBN/SSR/AD-17July13-11:55 am (BST)
