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Published:2019-02-28 22:30:29 BdST
Parliament passes EPZ Labour Bill
Bangladesh Export Processing Zone (EPZ) Labour Bill 2019 was passed by parliament on Wednesday, aiming to make it friendlier for EPZ workers.
Liberation War Affairs Minister AKM Mozammel Huq, who is in charge of Prime Minister's Office in parliament, moved the bill in the House and it was passed by voice vote.
Placing the bill, the minister said the proposed law will ensure fixation of minimum wage, recruitment, owner-labour relation, salary payment, accidental compensation, healthcare and security.
As per the bill, the EPZ workers will be allowed to form association to place their demands.
Previously, at least 30% support was required from EPZ workers to form a workers’ welfare association, the new bill has reduced that to 20%.
Additionally, they will be able to form their own welfare committees, if they abide by the labour laws.
In case a worker wishes to retire, the new law will allow them to receive 45 days’ wages for every subsequent year.
Strict provisions have also been kept for unruly EPZ workers wishing to organize strikes without following the labour laws. They will be subjected to Tk5,000 fine and/or six months of imprisonment
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