DHAKA: The government has approved Bangladesh Export Processing Zones (EPZ) Labour Act 2016, keeping provisions of welfare associations of workers.

After the cabinet meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, held at secretariat in city on Monday (February 15), cabinet secretary Mohammad Shafiul Alam informed the matter to the reporters.

The secretary said as per the act, affected workers would get compensation, compensation to be paid for every dead worker and female workers to get six-month maternity leave with full salary-allowance.

He also said workers in an EPZ area will be allowed to form welfare associations as like trade union in light with the Labour Welfare Act -2006.

The Act has been formulated consisting of 16 Articles and 202 sections.

The secretary said injured workers will be paid Tk 2-lakh while worker, who will be incapable to do work after accident, to get Tk 2.25 lakh.

In reply to a query about the Act whether it will make any impact on GSP restoration, he said obviously it will make easy the restoration of GSP and also increase our bargaining capacity.

BDST: 1358 HRS, Feb 15, 2016
RS/RR/SMS