A helpline has been introduced on a pilot basis to record garment workers’ complaints about their workplace safety, security and rights so steps can be taken to resolve them.
The government launched the pilot project yesterday for six months in Ashulia, and if it is successful, such helplines will be set up across the country.
The workers can drop complaints simply making a call from their mobile phone handsets.
“This is to take effective steps to address the workers’ concerns about safety, security and rights,” said Labour and Employment Minister Mujibul Haque at the launching ceremony at his office.
He hoped it would be helpful for the workers regarding the prevailing problems in the country’s largest industrial sector.
“It (the project) can also reduce the worker-owner dispute to zero level and help increase productivity in the factories,” the minister added.
The Help Line – 
0800 44 55 000 FREE – will be run by the Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments (DIFE).
It will be set up with the support from the International Labour Organization and Royal Norwegian Government.
A trained supervisor and four other agents will be available to receive calls and provide services through the helpline.
The helpline will remain open from 9am to 10pm throughout the year.
Calls received through the helpline will be logged and forwarded to either DIFE, the Fire Service and Civil Defence Department or the Directorate of Labour to deal with.
After the verification, if the allegation is proved, necessary steps would be taken to resolve it.
“Over the last two years, unprecedented efforts have been made to enhance workplace safety and improve workers’ rights in the ready-made garment sector in Bangladesh,” ILO Country Director Srinivas B Reddy.
“By providing workers with the chance to air grievances this Help Line gives a voice to the voiceless,” Reddy stressed, adding “It will also play an important role in facilitating better workplace relations by helping address grievances that may otherwise escalate into mass protests or court cases.”
The workplace safety and workers rights at the country’s RMG industry emerged as a concern after the deadliest collapse of Rana Plaza building that killed over 1,135 workers and injured 2,500 people.
Labour and Employment Secretary Mikail Shipar, DIFE Inspector General Syed Ahmed and Director of Labour SM Ashrafuzzaman were also present at the function.
Source: Dhaka Tribune
