History of trade union

The predominance of employer-employee relation is associated with rise of

modern industry and large production units .The great transformation which
ushered in the industrial society began in Great Britain in the latter half of the 18th
century. During the 19th century, the movement spread to a dozen of the other
countries
The Pakistan Period (1947-71)
The East Pakistan Trade Unions Act, 1965 was enacted repealing the Trade
Unions Act, 1926.
The Labor Disputes Act, 1965 was enacted. Industrial Relations Ordinance,
1969 was enacted integrating the above two Acts
History of Trade Unions -Bangladesh Period (1971-onwards)
1. Government of Bangladesh declared a labor policy in 1972. The right to strike
and collective bargaining in the nationalized industries was prohibited for six
months by Presidential order no. 55 in May 1972.

2. In 1973, the right to strike and lockout, as granted by ILO, 1969 was withdrawn.

3. In 1974 Act completely suspended the democratic rights of workers by

prohibiting trade union activities such as strikes, lock-outs, collective bargaining.

4. The military regime of 1975 imposed restrictions on the rights of collective

bargaining.

5. The Industrial Relations (Amendment) Ordinance, 1977 liberalized the Rights of

Freedom of Association
 Con
6. The Labor Policy of 1980 restored the right to freedom of association to a considerable
extent.

7. In 1982 the military regime banned trade union activities, strikes, and right of freedom of
association.

8. Full trade union activities were restored by the democratic government in 1991.

9. In 2006, an updated, consolidated and unified version of labor laws was enacted.

10. During the Emergency in 2007-2008 that lasted for 23 months, trade unions and collective
bargaining were prohibited and the determination of collective bargaining agent could not be
made.

11. However, full trade union activities were restored by the democratic government in 2009.
 Scenario of Garment Industry

1. Bangladeshi Garment Industry is the largest industrial sector of the country. Though
the history of Readymade Garment Industry is not older one but Bangladeshi
clothing business has a golden history.

2. After industrial revolution in the west they were busy with technological advancement
& started outsourcing of readymade garments to meet up their daily demands.
 Scenario of Garment Industry
3. The history of the garment industry dates back to 1977 when the first consignment
was exported to then West Germany by Jewel Garments.

4. Several factors account for the outstanding successes of the RMG industry in
Bangladesh at the same time.

5. The tremendous success of readymade garment exports from Bangladesh over the
last two decades has surpassed the most optimistic expectations. Today the apparel
export sector is a multi- billion-dollar manufacturing and export industry in the country
Some cases about accident of garment sectors in Bangladesh

Rana plaza The collapse of an eight-storey garment factory in Rana Plaza on

the outskirts of Dhaka on April 24th killed at least 400 people and injured
many more. It was probably the worst industrial accident in South Asia
since the Bhopal disaster in 1984, and the worst ever in the garment
industry.
 Some cases about accident of garment sectors in Bangladesh

Tazrin Fashion

The 2012 Dhaka fire broke out on 24 November 2012, in the Tazreen
Fashion factory in the Ashulia on the outskirts of Dhaka, Bangladesh. At
least 117 people were confirmed dead in the fire, and over 200 were
injured, making it the deadliest factory fire in the nation's history.
Bangladesh at a glance
Demography:

Bangladesh with 160 million people is listed as the 7th largest country population.
25% of the population is considered urban. 4% of its population is over 65 years of
age.

Economy:

Bangladesh is ranked 47th by GDP and its GDP per Capita is $1300 and is ranked
196th. External debt is $316.7 per $ 1000 GDP.

Poverty and inequality :

Bangladesh has the 2nd highest % population below $1 a day income in the region
after Afghanistan.

Human Development:

Human Development Report (2014) ranked Bangladesh 142 among 177 countries
which is consistent with medium human development.
Labor force of Bangladesh

1. Active Labor force is estimated at 58 million (aged 15 and over) with 38% women
of total workforce.

2. Youth (aged 15–29) account for 41 per cent of the working-age population.

3. The unemployment rates are higher among females (7 per cent) and youth (8.1 per
cent).

4. By sector, agriculture accounts for 48.1 per cent of employment, services account
for 37.4 per cent and manufacturing and other industries account for 14.5 per
cent.

5. The population growth rate 1.48% and estimated literacy rate is 56%

6. GDP growth rate 6.2% and rate inflation 1.6% 7. Only 28 per cent of workers had a
written contract or appointment card. 21
Trade union situation in Bangladesh

 Trade union movement started in Bangladesh early 19th century when

modern industrial concept entered into the sub-continent

Trade union plays a significant role to protect workers rights in Bangladesh

Trade union rights are not adequately protected in Law/Employers are not
respected Labor Law or Trade Union Rights

 The Bangladesh constitution provides for freedom of association; in order to

register - Unions must at least 30% of the workers representation of an
enterprise - Must obtain authorization from the government - The Registrar
may also cancel the registration with Labor Court approval
 Trade union situation in Bangladesh (Contd.)

 In general, only current employees can be union members, which mean that the
loss of a job also leads to the loss of union membership.
 The trade unions are very strong in Bangladesh, although only 3.5 percent of the
workforce is unionized, but most of the unions are limited to the public sector or
state-controlled enterprises.
The private sector is less unionized and trade unions are practically banned from the
Export Processing Zones (EPZ), as the EPZ is exempted from certain labor laws.
About 1.8 million of the country's workers belong to unions, out of a total workforce
of approximately 58 million.
 Most of the federations are financially weak and don't have in-house development
programmes for the activists. Education level of the workers are not in a satisfactory
level. Offices are not equipped with modern communication system.
Problems & weaknesses of Trade Unions

 Uneven Growth. The trade unionism in Bangladesh is characterized by uneven

growth, both industry-wise and area-wise.

 Limited Membership. The number of trade unions in Bangladesh has increased

considerably. But this has been followed by the declining membership per union.

 Indifferent Attitude of Workers. The attendance at the general meetings of the

unions is very low. Under such circumstance, trade unionism cannot be expected to
make much progress.
 Problems & weaknesses of Trade Unions

Outside Leadership: Outsiders (politicians, intellectuals and professionals ) who have

no experience of work in industry continue to dominate the trade unions to advance
their personal interests.
 Financial Problems: The financial position of the trade unions is weak because their
average yearly income is very low and inadequate.
 Multiplicity of Unions: There exist several trade unions in the same establishment.
The multiplicity of unions is the result of outside leadership and labor laws.
 Criticism of Trade Unions

Lack of education makes the workers narrow-minded, and prevents them from
taking long-term views.
 Trade unions may not welcome rationalization and improved methods of
production for the fear of losing job.
 When labor unions strike because of illogical grounds, incalculable losses occur to
producers, community and the nation.

They create artificial scarcity of labor by demanding that only union personnel
should be employed.
By undue insistence on the payment of standard rates of wages, they have only
leveled down the earnings of the efficient workers.
 Suggestions for the development Unions

One Union in One Industry: There should be only one union in one industry otherwise
multiplicity of unions may weakens the power for collective bargaining.
 Paid Union Officials: Paid union officials should be employed who are persons of
proven integrity.
Development of Leadership from Within: Leadership should be developed from within
the rank and file of the workers.
 Recognition of Trade Unions. Till now, the employers refused recognition of the trade
unions.