Norwegian Ambassador to Bangladesh Merete Lundemo on Sunday said everybody must enjoy basic workers’ rights, work in an environment where standards are respected, and receive their share of the wealth created.
“Decent work and fair globalisation are important and related objectives on the Norwegian government’s agenda. Everybody must enjoy basic workers’ rights, work in an environment where standards are respected, and receive their share of the wealth created,” she said.
She made the remark at a function organised marking the launching of a new project and inauguration of a two-day training at Savar that aimed at promoting better compliance with international labour standards, particularly fundamental principles and rights at work.
The two-day training programme, focused on 2013 amendments to the Bangladesh Labour Act, is being attended by 64 mid-level managers, human resource managers, and compliance officers from affiliated factories of the Leather Goods & Footwear Manufacturers & Exporters Association of Bangladesh (LFMEAB).
“We want all companies to be familiar with the national law and international standards. Enhancing labour rights and standards will enhance business,” said Merete Lundemo.
The one-year project, titled ‘Promoting Fundamental Rights at Work and Labour Relations in Export Oriented Industries in Bangladesh’, is being implemented in the Readymade Garment (RMG), shrimp processing, and shoe and leather industries, with USD $2.5 million from the Norwegian Embassy, said an ILO press release.
The major objectives of the Norway-funded project are to train up 4,000 workers and employers on fundamental labour rights, their respective obligations, and to enhance the capacity of respective government agencies, industrial relations institutes, and labour courts to contribute to the improvement of occupational health and safety through the implementation of the National Tripartite Plan of Action on Fire Safety and Integrity of Structure.
Source: UNBConnect
