2025 Updated Figures on ACT Bangladesh Interim Dispute Resolution Mechanism on workers’ rights to Freedom of Association and due payment of wages and benefits

ACT has been actively engaged in Bangladesh since 2020, coinciding with the COVID-19 pandemic. Through collaborative efforts, working closely with the BGMEA (Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association), trade union representatives and ACT members a series of agreements have been reached, addressing critical issues such as fabric liabilities, collective information gathering on wage and severance payments and the establishment of an Interim Dispute Resolution Mechanism (DRM).

Since its launch in November 2020, the Interim DRM has played a vital role in addressing grievances related to workers’ rights, particularly pertaining Freedom of Association, retrenchment and due payment of wages and benefits. A total of 158 eligible cases have been received within this time.

Analysing the resolved cases by issue, 76.6% of all wages and benefits disputes, 78.8% of retrenchment cases and 85.7% of Freedom of Association cases have been fully resolved.