UK : TUC calls for end to repression of trade union activists in Bangladesh
- Protest at Bangladesh High Commission, London SW7 5JA, 12:30, Thursday 16 February 2017
The TUC has called on the government of Bangladesh to end its repressive campaign against trade union
At least 26 union activists and workers have been imprisoned, with charges brought against 600 more. Since December, over 1,600 workers have been fired following strikes for higher wages.
TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady said:
“Organising with your fellow workers for better pay and conditions is a basic right. The Bangladeshi government’s use of anti-terrorism laws to crack down on trade unionists is deeply worrying.
“The Rana Plaza collapse showed us that working conditions in Bangladesh, particularly in the clothing sector, are tough and unsafe. These are the same factories that make clothes for high street names across the UK.
“Unions are working to improve those conditions and save lives. The government should not be blocking this. We are calling on Bangladesh’s government to halt this repression and drop the charges. Demanding fair pay and safe conditions is not a crime.”
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
- The TUC and its affiliated unions, along with Labour Behind the Label and the Clean Clothes Campaign, will hold a protest outside the Bangladesh High Commission in London (28 Queen's Gate, Kensington, London SW7 5JA) at 12:30 on Thursday.
- All TUC press releases can be found at tuc.org.uk/media
- TUC Press Office on Twitter: @tucnews