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Explaining Low Level of Trade Unionism: The Case of RMG Sector in Bangladesh

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  • ASM Anam Ullah

    (University of Wollongong)

Abstract

Bangladesh, a country that has been a solid example of low levels of trade unionism in the last 40 years, is significantly influenced by globalisation and neoliberalism, the main factors contributing to the decline of trade unionism. These factors have played a key role in the decline, particularly in the ready-made garments (RMG) sector, which currently has only 5% to 10% union membership. As a result, millions of RMG workers work in shoddy factories with meagre minimum wages. At the same time, their RMG factories lack trade union rights and collective bargaining power, leading to extreme exploitation in the modern century. This article analyses the empirical data collected from Bangladesh to understand the reasons for the decline of trade unionism in Bangladesh over the last 40 years. The scholarly recommendations provided at the end of this article are a call to action for all stakeholders to contribute to the necessary structural changes in trade unionism in Bangladesh.

Suggested Citation

  • ASM Anam Ullah, 2024. "Explaining Low Level of Trade Unionism: The Case of RMG Sector in Bangladesh," The Indian Journal of Labour Economics, Springer;The Indian Society of Labour Economics (ISLE), vol. 67(3), pages 909-933, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:ijlaec:v:67:y:2024:i:3:d:10.1007_s41027-024-00507-3
    DOI: 10.1007/s41027-024-00507-3
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Mark Anner, 2020. "Squeezing workers’ rights in global supply chains: purchasing practices in the Bangladesh garment export sector in comparative perspective," Review of International Political Economy, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 27(2), pages 320-347, March.
    2. Sarah Ashwin & Naila Kabeer & Elke Schüßler, 2020. "Contested Understandings in the Global Garment Industry after Rana Plaza," Development and Change, International Institute of Social Studies, vol. 51(5), pages 1296-1305, September.
    3. Islam, Muhammad Azizul & McPhail, Ken, 2011. "Regulating for corporate human rights abuses: The emergence of corporate reporting on the ILO's human rights standards within the global garment manufacturing and retail industry," CRITICAL PERSPECTIVES ON ACCOUNTING, Elsevier, vol. 22(8), pages 790-810.
    4. Humayun Kabir & Myfanwy Maple & Md. Shahidul Islam & Kim Usher, 2022. "The Paradoxical Impacts of the Minimum Wage Implementation on Ready-made Garment (RMG) Workers: A Qualitative Study," The Indian Journal of Labour Economics, Springer;The Indian Society of Labour Economics (ISLE), vol. 65(2), pages 545-569, June.
    5. Harvey, David, 2007. "A Brief History of Neoliberalism," OUP Catalogue, Oxford University Press, number 9780199283279, Decembrie.
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