Six textiles, leather factories win Social Dialogue Award

Six textile and leather sector factories received the Social Dialogue Award for  their outstanding work in fostering a culture of inclusive dialogue and participation at workplace, says a press release.

The competition saw enthusiastic participation of 136 additional measures representing 31 factories, demonstrating the sectors commitment to improving workplace conditions through enhanced dialogue.

Over the last one and a half years, these factories have taken remarkable steps beyond compliance, leveraging their Participation, Safety, and Anti-Harassment Committees to engage in meaningful social dialogue. The winners include the following factories:
Picard Bangladesh Ltd. won the Social Dialogue Award for Participation Committee, as they introduced a free online doctors (gynaecologist and dermatologist) consultancy. Blue Ocean Footwear Ltd. was the runner-up with an ergonomic workstation cushion effect chair for pregnant workers.

The Social Dialogue Award for Safety Committee went to Amana Knitex for providing back support chairs to sewing operators. Second in place was Clifton Textile and Apparels Ltd. with a Free Eye Test for all workers.

The winner of Anti-Harassment Committees for Social Dialogue Award was Knit Concern Ltd. by providing uniforms to those of the Anti-Harassment Complain Committees.

In this way, the members are easier to locate and approachable. Second in place was Clifton Textile & Apparels Ltd. for a second time by introducing a Change Corner on factory floor for workers to change their sanitary napkin and have running water.

The Programme for Sustainability in Textile and Leather Sector (STILE) was implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) on behalf of German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development.

It was jointly implemented with Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA), Leather goods and Footwear Manufacturers & Exporters Association of Bangladesh (LFMEAB). They introduced the award while an honourable mention was received by Layla Style.

A jury panel, consisting of RMG sector, civil society organizations, RMG workers, and the Department of Labour, Ministry of Labour and Employment (MoLE), evaluated the initiatives.

Their assessment led to selection of three Champions and three runners-up, celebrated in a ceremony on March 4, 2024 with awards from both private and public sectors.

This event not only highlights the significant strides made in worker engagement and compliance with social and environmental standards but also emphasises the critical role of factory committees in this effort.

Despite the presence of factory committees in most factories, their effectiveness and the extent of impact on fostering a culture of co-determination and representation have varied.

This disparity underscores the need for continued efforts to enhance the capacity and effectiveness of these committees, especially in a society where patriarchal values often present additional challenges for female workers.

Recognising the pivotal role of gender equality, STILE has mandated that 25 percent of factory committees activities focus on promoting gender-related issues, such as combating harassment and discrimination.
 
This approach not only addresses the immediate needs of workers but also ensures a sustainable and inclusive environment for all employees.