Bangladesh garment workers still face abuse: Rights group
DHAKA — Two years after the deadly collapse of the Rana Plaza complex, employees in Bangladesh’s garment sector still face exploitative and dangerous working conditions, Human Rights Watch (HRW) said recently.
While the government and global brands have made progress in improving safety conditions, many still contend with abuse at work, delayed wages and threats when they try to form a union, an HRW report said.
"Dangerous working conditions are linked to the failure to respect workers’ rights, including their right to form unions which can help them to collectively bargain for improved safety," said Phil Robertson, HRW’s Asia deputy director.
The Bangladeshi government denied that factory workers are facing difficulties in trying to unionize.
"If we receive any complaints from the trade union leaders that they are facing harassment or obstruction for forming trade unions, we immediately take stern action," Labour and Employment Ministry secretary Mikail Shipar, told Reuters.
The government has filed more than 100 cases against factory owners or managers since the law was amended, he said.
