Tue, 7 May 2013
Reform to labour law, a programme to retrain workers who suffered disabling injuries and recruitment of 200 industrial inspectors are among proposals following the collapse of a garment factory in Savar on the outskirts of the Bangladeshi capital of Dhaka.

The death toll for the tragedy, which took place on 24 April, has now exceeded 700.

This follows a visit by UN agency the International Labour Organization (ILO) to the country, which concluded on Friday (4 May). ILO recommendations, also agreed upon by government, employers and workers, include:

• A labour law reform package to be submitted to parliament during its next session, which is expected to be called next month. This would guarantee, among others, right to collective bargaining and occupational health and safety.
• A skills and training programme for workers who sustained injuries that resulted in a disability in the tragedy.

• The recruitment within six months of 200 additional factories and establishment inspectors. In addition, the chief inspector of factories and establishments should be upgraded to a government directorate with further funding.

An ILO statement says: “If international buyers and brands take increased responsibility for improving working conditions and safety and health and with the active support of development partners and donors, safety can and must be improved in all workplaces throughout Bangladesh.”