Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA): EPZ Labour Act 2019 amended

Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA): EPZ Labour Act 2019 amended.

The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) is a trade organization representing the readymade garment industry in Bangladesh. It was established in 1977 to promote and protect the interests of the garment manufacturers and exporters in the country.

BGMEA has played a vital role in developing the garment industry in Bangladesh, which is now the largest export sector and the main source of foreign exchange earnings for the country. The association has over 4,500 members who collectively employ over 4 million workers in the industry.

BGMEA is responsible for setting industry standards, promoting trade and investment, providing training and support to its members, and advocating for policies that benefit the garment industry. The association also works to improve working conditions and safety in garment factories and has taken steps to address issues related to labor rights and environmental sustainability in the industry.

https://news.google.com/publications/CAAqBwgKMJT8mgsw2IazAw

Overall, the BGMEA is a key player in the Bangladeshi economy and has contributed significantly to the growth and development of the country’s garment industry.

BGMEA: EPZ Labour Act should be amended

We understand that the Bangladeshi Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) has requested amendments to the Export Processing Zones (EPZ) Labour Act of 2019. This Act was enacted to protect the rights of workers in the EPZs and ensure that their working conditions are safe and fair. However, the BGMEA claims that the Act is causing hindrances to the garment industry’s growth and export competitiveness.

In this article, we will explore the proposed amendments and their potential impact on the garment industry and the workers in the EPZs.

Google News : https://news.google.com/publications/CAAqBwgKMJT8mgsw2IazAw

Proposed Amendments to the EPZ Labour Act

The proposed amendments to the EPZ Labour Act include the following:

1. Extension of working hours: The BGMEA has proposed increasing the maximum working hours from eight to twelve hours per day.
2. Overtime payment: The BGMEA has requested the removal of the provision that requires employers to pay double wages for overtime work.
3. Leave entitlements: The BGMEA has requested a reduction in the number of annual leave days from fourteen to ten.
4. Unionization: The BGMEA has requested the removal of the provision that allows workers to form unions within the EPZs.

Potential Impact on the Garment Industry

If the proposed amendments are accepted, the garment industry in the EPZs may see an increase in productivity due to longer working hours and reduced leave entitlements. However, this may come at a cost to the workers’ health and well-being, as longer working hours may lead to fatigue and stress.

The removal of the provision requiring double payment for overtime work may also lead to a reduction in workers’ income, as employers may opt to pay the regular wage for overtime work.

The removal of the provision allowing workers to form unions may also result in the loss of workers’ bargaining power, as they may no longer be able to collectively negotiate for better working conditions and wages.

• Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science (IACS) Recruitment 2023 – Research Associate-I Post
• Engagement of Young Professionals of Ministry of Labour & Employment
• 21 February, Bangladesh 2023| International Mother Language Day | United Nations
• Modhumoti Bank Limited ODI Series 2023 | Bangladesh Vs Ireland
• Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM) PhD and Master Positions (Fully Funded)

Potential Impact on Workers in the EPZs

The proposed amendments to the EPZ Labour Act may have a significant impact on workers in the EPZs. Longer working hours and reduced leave entitlements may lead to fatigue and stress, which may negatively affect their physical and mental health. The reduction in income due to the removal of the provision requiring double payment for overtime work may also impact their financial well-being.

Furthermore, the removal of the provision allowing workers to form unions may result in the loss of their ability to collectively negotiate for better working conditions and wages, which may negatively impact their job security and future prospects.

Google News : https://news.google.com/publications/CAAqBwgKMJT8mgsw2IazAw

Conclusion

In conclusion, while the proposed amendments to the EPZ Labour Act may benefit the garment industry in terms of increased productivity and reduced labor costs, they may come at the cost of workers’ health, well-being, and bargaining power. It is essential to consider the needs and rights of both the industry and the workers in the EPZs while making any amendments to the Act.

Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers Urge Government to Review the Bangladesh Flag Vessels Protection Interest Act 2019

The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) has urged the government to review the Bangladesh Flag Vessels Protection Interest Act 2019. The act requires that all garments exported from Bangladesh must be shipped using Bangladeshi flag vessels, which has caused concerns among garment manufacturers and exporters. In this article, we will delve deeper into the implications of the act and the reasons behind the BGMEA’s request to the government for a review.

Implications of the Bangladesh Flag Vessels Protection Interest Act 2019:

The Bangladesh Flag Vessels Protection Interest Act 2019 was introduced to promote the use of Bangladeshi flag vessels for exporting goods, including garments. The act requires that all garments exported from Bangladesh must be shipped using Bangladeshi flag vessels. This requirement has caused concern among garment manufacturers and exporters, who believe that it will increase their transportation costs and make them less competitive in the global market.

Google News : https://news.google.com/publications/CAAqBwgKMJT8mgsw2IazAw

The BGMEA’s Request for a Review:

The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) has urged the government to review the Bangladesh Flag Vessels Protection Interest Act 2019. The association believes that the act will have a negative impact on the garment industry in Bangladesh. According to the BGMEA, the use of Bangladeshi flag vessels for exporting garments will increase transportation costs and reduce the competitiveness of Bangladeshi garment manufacturers and exporters in the global market.

The BGMEA has also argued that the act violates the principles of free trade and discriminates against Bangladeshi garment manufacturers and exporters. The association has suggested that the government should consider alternative measures to promote the use of Bangladeshi flag vessels, such as providing incentives to shipping companies and improving the infrastructure of Bangladeshi ports.

Conclusion:

The Bangladesh Flag Vessels Protection Interest Act 2019 has caused concerns among garment manufacturers and exporters in Bangladesh. The act requires that all garments exported from Bangladesh must be shipped using Bangladeshi flag vessels, which will increase transportation costs and make Bangladeshi garment manufacturers and exporters less competitive in the global market. The BGMEA has urged the government to review the act and consider alternative measures to promote the use of Bangladeshi flag vessels. It remains to be seen whether the government will take action to address the concerns of the garment industry in Bangladesh.