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The Bangladeshi government and a western manufacturer have been asked to take action over a factory that was closed because workers called for better treatment.
Bosses at International Knitwear and Apparels, part of the Beximco conglomerate, closed down the plant near the capital Dhaka in August after employees tried to organize representation to seek improvements in working conditions, referred to as 'appalling' by Neil Kearney, general secretary of the International Textile, Garment and Leather Workers' Federation.
Kearney says: 'Management's reaction was swift. Falsely accusing some workers of attempting to disrupt production and of leading illegal activities inside the factory, the management decided to close down the production unit. On 4 October workers were advised that the unit would reopen the following week. But when the workers returned to the factory they were met at the gate by management representatives, who insisted that they sign resignation letters before they enter the premises.'
The plant remains closed, and Kearney points out that the company's conduct is likely to drive away reputable customers just when Bangladesh needs the trade.
Kearney has urged Aman Amanullah, the employment minister, to demand that the company reopen the plant, reinstate workers sacked for trying to organize representation, and observe national and international employee rights, including consent to form union groups and bargain collectively.
He has also brought pressure on the US jeans maker Levi Strauss to ensure that the company, one of its suppliers, respects national and international employment standards.
Bosses at International Knitwear and Apparels, part of the Beximco conglomerate, closed down the plant near the capital Dhaka in August after employees tried to organize representation to seek improvements in working conditions, referred to as 'appalling' by Neil Kearney, general secretary of the International Textile, Garment and Leather Workers' Federation.
Kearney says: 'Management's reaction was swift. Falsely accusing some workers of attempting to disrupt production and of leading illegal activities inside the factory, the management decided to close down the production unit. On 4 October workers were advised that the unit would reopen the following week. But when the workers returned to the factory they were met at the gate by management representatives, who insisted that they sign resignation letters before they enter the premises.'
The plant remains closed, and Kearney points out that the company's conduct is likely to drive away reputable customers just when Bangladesh needs the trade.
Kearney has urged Aman Amanullah, the employment minister, to demand that the company reopen the plant, reinstate workers sacked for trying to organize representation, and observe national and international employee rights, including consent to form union groups and bargain collectively.
He has also brought pressure on the US jeans maker Levi Strauss to ensure that the company, one of its suppliers, respects national and international employment standards.
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