The law prohibits discrimination based on sex and disability and calls for equal pay for equal work. Factories are required to place 5 percent of profits into an employees’ welfare fund, though that does not apply to the export sector, which includes a large part of the work force.
Elliott said another key provision is that workers no longer need approval from factory owners to form unions.
“There’s provisions to try to avoid a problem that has been a big one in the past of the labor ministry sharing the names of union supporters with management who can then fire them or move them to a different factory, and so that has been changed,” said Elliott.
Critics say factory owners may still be able to create obstacles for unions, however, and the government can end strikes.
The law was passed soon after the U.S. said it was suspending Bangladesh’s trade preferences - though that move is considered symbolic since apparel exported from Bangladesh is not eligible for duty free benefits.
European retailers recently finalized a plan to accept legal responsibility for safety, and are conducting inspections at their factories in Bangladesh. North American retailers recently announced a separate safety accord that does not hold them liable.
But Elliott said that ultimately it will be up to the Bangladeshi government to push through the improvements to avert another garment building disaster.
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2013-11-25
2013-11-25
2013-11-25
2013-11-25
2013-11-25
2013-11-25