The US delegation praised the Interim Government’s initiatives, including an 18-point agreement with local unions, which they described as a significant step towards progress.
Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser, Muhammad Yunus, affirmed the Interim Government’s commitment to comprehensive labour reforms during a high-level meeting with a United States labour and brand delegation at his Tejgaon office on Monday.
The delegation, which included Thea Mei Lee, Deputy Undersecretary of the US Department of Labour, and Kelly Fay Rodriguez, Special Representative for International Labour Affairs, discussed pressing labour issues and voiced support for Bangladesh’s reform agenda.
“We aim to align our labour laws with global standards. This is my commitment,” Yunus stated, emphasizing the government’s dedication to creating worker-friendly conditions. To accelerate these efforts, a special envoy has been appointed to address labour concerns raised by international bodies and rights groups.
The US delegation praised the Interim Government’s initiatives, including an 18-point agreement with local unions, which they described as a significant step towards progress. “These measures are a testament to what has been achieved in the past three and a half months,” said Rodriguez.
Major US Brands
The visiting officials advocated for annual wage reviews and the promotion of union rights to protect garment and footwear workers from inflation. “Decent minimum wages benefit both businesses and the economy,” noted Lee, highlighting unions as “training grounds for democracy.”
Representatives from major US brands, including PVH, Calvin Klein, and Gap Inc., attended the meeting, expressing their endorsement of the reform agenda. Michael Bride, Senior Vice President of PVH Corp., commended Bangladesh’s efforts, citing similar reforms in Cambodia as a precedent.
Professor Yunus urged international brands to announce price increases for their orders annually, enabling local manufacturers to adjust worker wages accordingly.
US Charge d’Affaires Meghan Bouldeb reiterated Washington’s full support for the reform initiatives. “We want to be partners with you,” she said, underscoring the importance of collaborative efforts to improve labour conditions.
The meeting marks a crucial step in Bangladesh’s bid to bolster its labour framework, ensuring sustainable growth and attracting global buyers to its thriving garment industry.
