A Study to Explore the Labour Rights for Women in Readymade Garment Sector of Bangladesh.

Abstract

This study examines the labor rights of women workers in Bangladesh’s readymade garment (RMG) industry, one of the largest globally, employing over 4 million workers, 80% of whom are women, and contributing more than 80% of the country’s exports. Despite its economic importance, women workers face significant challenges, including low wages, unsafe working conditions, job insecurity, gender discrimination, and harassment. The research investigates the legal protections afforded under the Bangladesh Labor Act 2006 and evaluates the extent to which these protections are enforced in practice. A mixed-methods approach is adopted, combining quantitative analysis of worker demographics, wages, working hours, and labor violations across 100 garment factories with qualitative interviews of women workers, union leaders, and labor rights advocates. The study focuses on key violations such as wage theft, forced overtime, unsafe workplaces, harassment, and inadequate maternity benefits, while also examining the roles of factory management, trade unions, and government oversight. Findings indicate that although the Bangladesh Labor Act 2006 provides legal safeguards, including minimum wage provisions, safety standards, and anti-harassment measures, implementation is often weak. Many women workers earn less than the legal minimum wage, work under unsafe conditions, and experience discrimination and harassment. Specifically, 60% of surveyed workers reported unpaid overtime, and over 40% lacked access to maternity leave. Limited awareness of legal rights further exacerbates these issues. Efforts by unions and advocacy groups are constrained by weak enforcement mechanisms, insufficient union representation, and fear of employer retaliation, while government supervision remains inadequate. The study concludes that, despite improvements in safety and labor conditions following the 2013 Rana Plaza disaster, violations of women workers’ rights remain widespread. Recommendations include stronger enforcement of labor laws, enhanced education on workers’ rights, improved union representation, and more robust government monitoring. This research contributes to ongoing discussions on labor rights in global supply chains, emphasizing gender equity and the specific challenges faced by women workers in Bangladesh’s RMG sector.