United Steelworkers (USW), a Canadian rights group, called upon the government of Bangladesh for immediate release of detained workers and withdrawal of charges against others involved in the recent demonstrations over wage hike in Bangladesh.
The group also pressed for dropping the charges that remain outstanding following the 2016 protests, and continuation of Accord operation in the country's readymade garment sector for next three years.
"We are deeply concerned about the repressive measures taken in the last two months against workers protesting against the wholly inadequate minimum wage increase announced in November 2018, as well as the unequal treatment of workers in different pay grades," USW national director for Canada Ken Neumann said in a letter to Bangladesh Ambassador to Ottawa Mizanur Rahman.
Thousands of workers have been terminated by employers, Mr Neuman said in his letter on January 29 and added that dozens of charges have been filed against workers and leaders and many workers have been arrested and remain in custody.
Recent developments in Bangladesh threaten progress that has been made in garment factory building safety since Rana Plaza, and undermine commitments to worker rights.
The USW represents thousands of Canadian workers that want to be sure that the clothes they purchase are manufactured in safe workplaces, where women workers are free of harassment, discrimination, and violence, worker rights are respected, and fair compensation is paid, he added.
It called for immediate release of all workers and union representatives arrested on trumped-up charges and drop charges against workers involved in demonstrations in the last months, as well as those charges that remain outstanding following the 2016 protests.
Its demand included lifting the restraining high court order and ensuring that the Accord on Building and Fire Safety in Bangladesh can continue its operations for the duration of the three-year transition agreement or until the designated oversight committee determines that the Remediation and Coordination Cell (RCC) is capable of taking over its tasks.
"Respect the right of the women and men working in the Bangladesh garment sector to living wages," the right group said, adding that respect of workers' rights is fundamental to building a sustainable Bangladesh garment sector into the future.
Bangladesh exported $963.15 million of apparel items to Canada in last fiscal year (2017-18), according to Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) data.
During the first six months of the current fiscal year (2018-19), the country fetched $562.67 million, marking a 20.16 per cent growth over the corresponding period of last fiscal.
