Bangladesh approves labour bill easing trade union set up

The Bangladeshi parliament has passed a bill that will provide more facilities to workers.

The Bangladesh Labour (Amendment) Bill 2018 was passed based on recommendations by the International Labour Organisation.

Under the new law, the percentage of worker participation required for forming trade unions at factories will decline to 20%, from 30% currently.

The bill mandates that children are not allowed to work in factories. Those caught employing children will be fined Tk 5,000 (SG$81).

Further,  employers cannot staff mentally and physically-challenged laborers in any high-risk operations.

Additionally, any workers who is required to work during festival periods will be entitled to another day off in-lieu, along with two days of pay.