RMG needs good trade union

However, in May 2006 a disturbing epidemic came over the garment industry. Some desperate labourers were singled out as being responsible for such an infernal act. Huge loss of time, money and materials were lost for investors and garments manufacturers.

TV cameras revealed that 90% of the women workers refrained from picketing. From various information sources it is clear that most picketers did not belong to garment factories and a group of non-labourourers indulged in the violence.

Only few women workers attended negotiation meeting for regaining some facilities. Our national intelligence sources said that they knew about the incident. If so, then did they not take necessary measures before the incident? Industrial labourers have a right to place their demand and they need a strong and authentic labour union with whom they can proceed to solve all kinds of service problems. But alas! Nothing is done according to principle.

A strong and powerful union means a union that satisfies both the owners and the labourers and which in turn keeps the industry running well. The disturbance seemed to be a pre-planned destruction and sabotage by misled people. Authorities still have not found out the real reasons for violence. Eventually, the garment factory owners' association called a press conference after the unlawful situation to express views that no garment worker was involved in the violence.

In our country, no demand can be granted without street procession. Why does it happen? Usually, workers' rights unmet by owners, incite them to act aggressively. On joining a garment factory, most workers do not know about the training period, probation period, whether or not they will get tenure, or for that matter, what their gross salary and net salary will be.

All rules of compliance are usually maintained by workers. But they complain about the deprivations they suffer on many levels. Chief among these are: having no appointment letter, job identification card, government-declared minimum salary, overtime benefits, weekend vacation, yearly vacation, maternity leave, yearly medical checkup, injury treatment during working hours. Setting up garment factories and running them profitably is a big achievement of the owners, but at the same time they should take into account their social responsibility towards a worker who is such an integral part of the business.

A powerful trade union is nothing but a useless signboard unless it is licensed and verified by all corners of management and the government. Trade unions should have their well-established administrative offices and these offices should not work under pressure from any agency. They should not be paid by the government or by any factories. The union must abide by the labour law, industrial law, and government instructions. Only one trade union should be given permission to be raised in the garment industry.

To avail of the benefits workers should have to subscribe monthly as settled by the trade union and the owners' associations. On the other hand, same amount per head should be subscribed by every owner of the industry. Both amounts will be deposited to the trade union account. This money will be treated as non-refundable. Every expenditure shall be covered from this fund: salary of union management, workers, insurance, treatment facilities, yearly physical check-up, yearly eye and dental care, student scholarship, micro-credit, retirement allowance, a well-equipped hospital for labourers, etc.

It may take time, but if it is achieved, it will brighten up the industrial atmosphere. We actually need a permanent solution for a better future. I am sure if the factory owners take cognizance of the suggestions I have offered, violence can be averted in future.

Workers should understand they have to respect the rules and regulations. If they fail to carry out duties properly and get involved in undisciplined behaviour, they may be dismissed from service. For example, theft, drug addiction, intoxication, sex abuse, sabotage, procession inside factory, fighting, compromising the privacy of the factory, or any kind of vandalism may lead to suspension from work for an indefinite period or even to job loss.

The trade union cannot be appealed to for re-instating jobs lost because of the above reasons. But the union should have the right to probe the facts. If the team finds injustice, the case can be pursued for reconsideration. The union can take action if a worker is not getting his or her salary and the union can also hold meetings with the authorities for yearly increment or any other welfare benefits. The union representatives should be allowed to visit factories as and when they wish to.

What the industry needs is a conscientious and functional trade union that is dedicated to the protection of the workers' interests. This will be good for all parties.

The writer is a retired army officer.