Law in Bangladesh Revised Ratifying Workers’ Rights

Posted on by 施達基金會

[ePrayer – Pray for workers in Bangladesh]

GENDER EQUALITY-EMPLOYMENT IN ASIA

Bangladesh on 15 July amended its 2006 Labour Act, to include freedoms of association and collective bargaining. Hoping it a milestone in promoting workers’ rights and occupational safety and health. The new law also contain provisions for improved safety measures at workplaces. Requirements in sending employers the names of union leaders on registration are abolished. Workers may call on external experts assistance at collective bargaining sessions. However, ILO said the revised laws still fail to address a number of concerns: a 30 per cent requirement in forming trade unions; and freedom of association and collective bargaining are excluded to workers in labour-intensive export processing zones. It also fails to prohibit discriminations in employment or remuneration, debt bondage by children or punishment in form of compulsory labour. [UN News, ILO]

Pray for workers in Bangladesh:

  • Pray that the Bangladesh government will continue law reforms for more comprehensive workers’ protection, in fulfilling its obligations under ratified conventions;
  • Remember the workers in getting their rights, safety and health.

Most Domestic Workers Worldwide Lack Legal Protection

Posted on by 施達基金會

[ePrayer – Pray for domestic workers worldwide]

20130110-n2

Working behind closed doors of private households, domestic workers are shielded from public view and attention and most are unprotected by national legislation. International Labour Organisation (ILO) says at least 52 million people around the world – mainly women -are employed as domestic workers. Between the mid-1990s and 2010, there was an increase of more than 19 million domestic workers worldwide. Many migrate to other countries to find work. However, many domestic workers experience poor working conditions and insufficient legal protection. Only 10% of all domestic workers are covered by general labour legislation to the same extent as other workers. About 29.9% are completely excluded from national labour legislation. The precarious legal status of migrant domestic workers and their lack of knowledge of the local language and laws, make them especially vulnerable to abusive practices, such as physical and sexual violence, psychological abuse, non-payment of wages, debt bondage and abusive living and working conditions. [ILO]

Pray for domestic workers:

  • Pray that the rights and protection of domestic workers can be upheld;
  • Pray that God will rescue them from unjust bondage and exploitation.