Bangladesh

ACT is bringing key stakeholders together in one of the most important locations for garment production. 

The garment and footwear industry is Bangladesh’s second largest export industry, employing more than 4 million workers.  Meaningful transformation of the garment and footwear industry, including securing living wages, requires that all industry stakeholders are given a seat at the table. 

In Bangladesh ACT engages in dialogue to develop a country specific strategy on collective bargaining, dispute resolution, purchasing practices and wages.

Since 2020, ACT has supported a joint Dispute Resolution Mechanism. The Interim DRM was the result of joint brand, employer and trade union discussions on how to address the most immediate challenges on the COVID-19 pandemic. Through engagement with key stakeholders, ACT aims to develop the mechanism into a sustainable and effective dispute resolution mechanism for the sector.

Interim Dispute Resolution Mechanism

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 105 cases have been received since its inception, with 92 cases (87.62%) deemed eligible and processed.

The Interim DRM has been funded since December 2022 by the Initiative for Global Solidarity (IGS) implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH supportedby the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).

Download the Interim DRM Report dated 17.08.2023

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