The apex trade body of garment manufacturers has initiated a move to investigate the alleged termination of workers in the aftermath of recent labour unrest over the wage issue.
The move came after the American Apparel and Footwear Federation (AAFA) issued a warning that filing of criminal cases and dismissal of more than 1000 workers would have a negative impact on the apparel sector.
In separate letters sent to the Prime Minister and the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) on May 24, the AAFA warned of consequences and urged them to withdraw the criminal cases and reinstate the workers.
In response, the BGMEA sent a letter to the AAFA on May 26.
"I have noted your concerns over the 'criminal complaints against labour leaders' and your demand of reinstatement of the workers who were allegedly fired during the violent protest over the minimum wage issues," BGMEA President Dr Rubana Huq said in the letter.
Though BGMEA is not clear about the source of the information or about the number of more than 1000 workers being fired, the trade body has taken the situation very seriously, she said.
"We have initiated an independent inquiry to ascertain what has actually happened. We are going to talk to the factory authorities individually to have a clear understanding on the justification and legal compliance to the terminations," she added.
The BGMEA chief also sought a list of terminations, saying it would help them take up the issue with the factories.
"If there is any case of illegal termination, we promise to look into them and take action accordingly," she said in the letter.
"While illegal acts of any kind on the part of the employees are absolutely unacceptable, we must respect the right of factories to protect their workers and property from vandalism," she added.
In the letter, Ms Huq also wrote about the formation of the RMG Sustainability Council (RSC) that would be governed by the BGMEA, the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association, brands, and workers' representatives from home and abroad.
"The RSC will take over the structure, operation and resources of the Accord, a European agency for factory inspection and remediation, as it phases out of Bangladesh and is envisaged to take overall safety-related matters in the garment industry within the legal framework of Bangladesh."
The BGMEA president also sought the AAFA's support with regard to the price of garment items.
The AAFA, representing more than 1,000 world famous brands, is a national trade association in the US that represents apparel (including legwear), footwear and other sewn products companies and their suppliers, which compete in the global market.
The garment, footwear and travel goods industries in the two countries have built a strong and mutually beneficial relationship over the past few decades.
Bangladesh is now the third largest supplier of garments, and a major supplier of footwear and travel goods, to the American market.
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