Hasina govt created dangerous environment for workers: US-based labour lobby groups

The American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO), the largest national trade union centre in the United States, has said the ousted Awami League-led government had created a "dangerous environment" for workers in the country.

In a letter addressed to Bangladesh interim government's Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on 30 August, the AFL-CIO wrote, "We witnessed your predecessors [AL-led government] in Bangladesh create a dangerous environment for working people by systematically suppressing freedom of association and undermining collective action."

Cathy Feingold, director of AFL-CIO, and Shawna Bader-Blau, executive director of the Solidarity Center, jointly signed the letter seen by The Business Standard.

The Solidarity Center is a US-based international workers' rights organisation allied with the AFL-CIO that also operates in Bangladesh.

They also urged the withdrawal of unjust cases against ready-made garment workers and called for an end to further persecution and intimidation of workers and unions.

The letter highlighted criminal cases filed against RMG workers during labour unrest in 2023, amid protests over wage increases.

According to the letter, in late 2023, at least 35 criminal cases were filed against workers and union leaders by RMG factory owners and the police.

The cases arose from protesters surrounding the minimum wage negotiations, during which workers peacefully advocated for a fair wage increase, the letter reads.

AKM Nasim, country programme director of the Solidarity Center, told TBS, "Last year, four workers were killed during demonstrations for a wage hike. Additionally, over 40,000 workers and trade union leaders have been named as defendants."

"We also believe that the previous government created a dangerous environment for the country's workers," Nasim said, adding, "We hope Professor Yunus's interim government will create a worker-friendly environment in this country."

He said, "We are committed to collaborating with the new government to address labour concerns. Our immediate focus is to ensure that the criminal cases against workers are withdrawn as quickly as possible."

AHM Shafiquzzaman, secretary of the Ministry of Labour and Employment, declined to comment on whether the previous government created a "dangerous" environment for workers.

However, he confirmed that the cases against the workers are currently under review. If there are instances of harassment, steps will be taken to withdraw such cases.

He said, "In line with the ILO Convention, it may not be possible to improve overnight in all areas. But we are making progress, as evidenced by the large number of green factories."

The AFL-CIO, represents approximately 13 million workers and is affiliated with the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), issued the statement.