Z A M Khairuzzaman
In our country, workers keep the wheels of development moving. But, because of sheer negligence and abject poverty, they are destined to lead a sub-human life. Time has come to prioritise workers for a change. A fair transformation of the standard of living of the country’s eight crore working people is achievable only by expanding workers’ access to welfare provisions.
Now, they badly need social protection, a crucial tool for reducing poverty and vulnerability.
Hopefully, the Labour Reform Commission (LRC), which was formed on November 18, 2024, has submitted its report to the government on April 21 of this year, giving several important proposals that could bring about a welcome change for the country’s vast working population. Among others, the recommendations include the introduction of a universal social safety net to cover the issues of occupational hazards, illness and early retirement etcetera.
The labour reform advice proposed universal access to health services and workplace insurance. Codified compensation standards for industrial accidents and disabilities as well as the inclusion of non-formal workers in social safety nets such as pensions, disability allowances, and unemployment support. It has also asked to introduce a worker-friendly pension scheme under the national pension scheme and a card-based rationing system in the industrial and rural areas.
The LRC’s proposal to introduce a unified and universal social insurance scheme marks a transformative step forward. If implemented effectively, such a scheme could provide a baseline of security to all workers, regardless of their employment status.
The Commission recommended ensuring access to universal social security rights for all workers in case of an accident at work, death, sick leave, maternity benefits or any other adverse conditions.
The LRC wanted a safe working environment for all workers and the re-evaluation of compensation criteria as well as allotment of adequate compensation for workers killed or injured due to accidents or negligence.
To prevent all forms of harassment and violence, including sexual harassment, it has advised the formulation of an anti-violence policy in all institutions in line with a High Court order of 2009.
It has asked the state to take initiatives to ensure six-month maternity leave with pay for all women workers. The report mentioned that the government should provide support and formulate special schemes for workers in the informal sector.
The report further said that the government would take appropriate measures to prevent child and adolescent and forced labour… And the minimum age should be 16 for appointing an employee, the report said.
Additionally, the report advocated for a national “social dialogue platform” to institutionalise negotiations between the government, employers, and trade unions.
However, the trade unions must play a vital role in this transition. By organising workers, raising awareness, and negotiating with employers and policymakers, the unions can play the role of a bridge between the state and the labour force. Their involvement is a must not only for ensuring that reforms are worker-centric, but also for monitoring their implementation at the grassroots level. The Commission’s recommendation for strengthening trade unions to ensure worker voices are adequately heard is crucial. Without empowering workers to engage on equal footing, such mechanisms may serve administrative convenience rather than justice.
The government should therefore prioritise the logical and phased implementation of the Commission’s recommendations, many of which address longstanding gaps in labour governance. A road map is required not only to translate the LRC’s proposals into legislation, but also to guide reforms that ensure that worker rights, protection and representation are structurally embedded. The groundwork laid now should support sustained and inclusive improvement in the labour landscape.
As the administration considers the LRC’s recommendations, the message must be clear: social protection is not a privilege, but a right. It is an investment in human dignity, in national stability, and in our collective future. The important proposals, if effectively implemented, could bring about long-awaited changes for the better.
The Commission’s recommendations will soon be presented to political parties for their feedback. While there appears to be no reason for any party to oppose the proposals, which aim to ensure workers’ rights and protection, trusting political parties to properly implement them is difficult given their past records, especially while in power. Historically, most political parties have prioritised the interests of businesses and employers at the cost of labour rights. We can only hope that they, along with businesses and employers, in line with the aspirations of the July uprising for real changes, will support the delivery of pro-worker reforms this time. Therefore, political will is the key to success of labour reforms. Only then can Bangladesh build a truly resilient and equitable labour system—one that leaves no worker behind.
(The writer is a senior journalist, columnist and senior vice-president of the Bangladesh Labour Rights Journalists Forum (BLRJF). E-mail: [email protected])
