Labour Reform Commission Chief Syed Sultan Uddin Ahmed revealed that 85 per cent of the country’s workforce—approximately six crore workers—lack legal protection and wage standards.
He made the remarks during a discussion titled “Reform Initiatives Related to the Standard of Living, Working Conditions, and Rights of Workers: Proposals for the Interim Government,” held at the Center for Policy Dialogue (CPD) office in Dhanmondi on Sunday (January 12).
Syed Sultan noted that most of the country's workers, particularly in informal sectors, face significant inequalities and lack basic rights. "Eighty-five per cent of workers have no legal safeguards, no wage standards, and no social recognition. We are working to address this disparity, but the current system is riddled with inequality," he said.
He also criticised the exploitative hiring practices in industries like construction, where contractors employ workers without direct accountability. "Why should workers have to take to the streets to demand their salaries and rights? Why are media workers and others still denied fundamental human rights? These systemic issues demand urgent reforms," he added.
Labour leader and commission member Taslima Akhter Lima highlighted the demeaning societal attitude toward workers and the barriers they face in accessing justice. "Workers are often addressed disrespectfully, even in courts. Additionally, legal proceedings are conducted in English, which remains incomprehensible to most workers. The constitution grants workers’ rights, but these are often entangled in inaccessible legal frameworks," she said.
CPD Research Director Golam Moazzem proposed that the commission’s activities extend beyond the submission of its report, allowing it to monitor the implementation of its recommendations. He suggested forming interim reform cells in laboUr-related ministries and departments to oversee the process.
Moazzem also emphasized the need for workers’ training, enhancing skills, especially for women, to help them participate in online marketplaces. He also emphasised rural initiatives offering advanced training programs for rural women workers and ensuring legal protections for migrant workers.
The Labour Reform Commission, formed by the interim government, includes 10 members tasked with addressing labour law amendments, resolving disputes, and setting a national minimum wage. It is expected to submit its recommendations by February 18.
"Declaring the coming year as the 'Labour Welfare Year' could galvanize efforts toward implementing these reforms," Moazzem suggested, stressing the importance of continued engagement from all stakeholders.
The discussion concluded with calls for practical measures to improve living standards, bridge inequality gaps, and ensure equal rights for all workers across formal and informal sectors.