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Improving working conditions in the ready-made garment sector Phase 2 (RMGP II) and Building responsible value chains in Asia through the promotion of decent work in... - Cluster evaluation

eval_number:

2743

eval_url:

https://webapps.ilo.org/ievaldiscovery/eval/2743

location:

country:

Bangladesh

region:

Asia and the Pacific

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eval_title:

Improving working conditions in the ready-made garment sector Phase 2 (RMGP II) and Building responsible value chains in Asia through the promotion of decent work in... - Cluster evaluation

recommendations:

date:

2023-11-13 00:00:00.0

themes:

theme:

Constituents

category:

Government - capacity building

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comments:

"The ILO has been proactive in collaborating with employers through entities such as the Bangladesh Employers' Federation (BEF), various business associations, and chambers of commerce. The emphasis has been on underscoring the value of sustaining efforts in social compliance and the adherence to commendable labour practices as mediums for enhancing competitiveness and productivity. The forthcoming LAWC initiatives will continue in collaborating with the business sector across different industries, offering platforms, training sessions, and capacity-building opportunities aimed at reinforcing these principles and linking them to both local and global best practices. Further, plans are underway to formalize the National Industrial Safety Forum (ISF) as a structured platform to facilitate discussions on bridging the existing gaps and promoting industrial safety and workers' protection involving both public and private entities. To this effect, the development of a National Industrial Safety Framework (ISF) is envisioned. This framework will synergize with the efforts to enhance the technical and organizational capacities of the Industrial Safety Unit (ISU), aiming to enforce standards pertaining to structural, fire, and electrical safety in tandem with specialized entities like technical universities. There will be an intensified focus on fire and chemical safety. To extend the scope of engagement and advocate for a holistic approach to industrial safety, the ILO is keen on forming alliances with bodies like the Volunteer Service Organization and the OSHE Foundation. Such collaborations aim to expand outreach to informal economies and spearhead initiatives around fire and chemical safety awareness, the creation of gender-responsive work environments, and the facilitation of social dialogue. The amalgamation of these initiatives is geared towards instilling a culture of safety and responsive dialogue across various industrial sectors."

action_plan:

"1. ISF framework with implementation plan. 2. Coordination and technical Capacity building of Labour Inspector, engineers and organization on ISF 3. Develop ISU SOP and sector specific checklists 4. Capacity building of DIFE/ISU to implement inspection in other priority sectors 5. Support ISU coordination with RSC, Nirapon and others over the safety of the factories 6. ISU sensitization 7. Capacity building of ISF stakeholders. 8. Support fire service professionals' capacity-building efforts through an internationally recognized certification program for master trainers. 9. Support government/ industry to develop a national framework for implementing fire safety measures at all stages of the building lifecycle (construction and occupancy). 10. Awareness and capacity building on fire and chemical safety."

management_response:

Partially Completed

progress:

Partially achieved

admin_units:

CO-Dhaka

title:

Recommendation 4: Framing a national unified code of conduct for safety, social and environmental compliances: There is a realisation that the country needs a unified code of conduct on safety, social and environmental compliances, aligned with existing regulation (BLA /BLR). There are country examples such as China and Vietnam who have comprehensive national laws that guide all initiatives for safety, social and environmental compliances. A national unified code will ensure that there are same rules for every buyer as national law will uphold always in meeting national /international labour standards. Framing of a national unified code in Bangladesh can be initiated through an expert committee consisting of academics, legal professionals, representatives of member organisations (industry and workers). Buyers are likely to accept comprehensive national laws as it would enhance overall reliability and credibility of the standards followed in the country. This process can be facilitated /supported by the ILO Bangladesh. The process of developing a national unified and comprehensive code of conduct for safety, social and environmental compliances would necessarily require a gradual /phased approach. It should first cover export-oriented sectors (such as RMG) and then risk-prone domestic sectors (such as plastic, chemical, ship breaking, textile, leather /tanneries). Unified code would guide all nationalised and international initiatives supporting sector-wide compliances. It can also be mandatory for all the factories and establishments not supported by these initiatives. While the safety standards can be more generally defined for all sectors, a sector-specific unified code would be needed on social and environmental compliances.

project_symbols:

BGD/19/05/MUL

url:

https://webapps.ilo.org/ievaldiscovery/recommendations/17411

information_source:

Country Office

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