DHAKA, Nov 25, 2024 (BSS)- The visiting United States (US) labour delegation today appreciated the progress achieved by the Bangladesh interim government on its labour reform agenda within a short period.

It also expressed Washington’s full support for the reform initiatives and reiterated the US willingness to collaborate with the interim government in implementing the remaining labour reform agenda.

These were revealed while the tripartite delegation, led by the US Department of State’s Special Representative for International Labour Affairs (SRILA) Kelly M. Fay Rodrigues met with Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin at the foreign ministry here.
 
Fay was accompanied by Deputy Undersecretary of the US Department of Labor Thea Lee, and the Chargé d’Affaires of the US Embassy, as well as other government officials and representatives from labor organizations - UNI Global Union and the Worker Rights Consortium, and the private sector like GAP Inc PBH and VF Corporation.

During the meeting, the delegation also appreciated the 18-point agreement and particularly praised the interim government’s initiative to bring together the owners and the employees, thereby giving the workers a chance to be heard.

Representatives from global fashion brands emphasized the importance of fair wage-setting and developing skilled labor to capture the global market for high-end products.

The Foreign Secretary emphasized that labour reform is one of the top priorities of Chief Adviser Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus.  

He highlighted several reform initiatives taken by the interim government including- agreement on 18-point demands, revision of the Bangladesh Labor Act (BLA), establishment of a High-Powered Commission on Labor, and formation of a minimum wage review committee.

The Foreign Secretary reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to implementing the ILO Roadmap and the labor action plans proposed by the US administration in a phased manner.

He thanked the delegation for visiting and reiterated the government’s commitment about working together in the coming days.

The purpose of the US delegation visit was to express their support for Bangladesh’s Ready-Made Garments industry, understanding the challenges the Bangladeshi economy is currently facing and review the progress of labour reforms undertaken by the interim government.