The โ๐ฆ๐๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ป๐ด๐๐ต๐ฒ๐ป๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐ฎ ๐๐ฒ๐ด๐ฎ๐ฐ๐, ๐ฃ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ฝ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ ๐๐ต๐ฒ ๐๐๐๐๐ฟ๐ฒโ initiative was undertaken by the Tannery Workers Union (TWU), in collaboration with Bangladesh Labour Foundation (BLF), to review and strengthen the Unionโs constitution, ensuring that it remains democratic, inclusive, accountable, and responsive to the evolving needs of tannery workers in Bangladesh.
Established in 1965, TWU has long served as a collective voice for tannery workers, advocating for their rights, welfare, and improved working conditions. Recognizing the changing industrial landscape and the need for stronger workersโ representation, the constitutional review aims to modernize the Unionโs governance structure and enhance its capacity to represent workers effectively.
Strengthening Trade Union Governance and Representation
The initiative focused on reviewing the Unionโs constitution to promote democratic practices, strengthen member participation, improve leadership and accountability, and prepare the organization to address the emerging challenges of the tannery sector. The process also emphasized creating greater opportunities for women and young workers to participate in union leadership and decision-making.
Key Discussions and Priorities
Strengthening democratic governance, transparency, and accountability within the Tannery Workers Union
Enhancing member participation in union activities, leadership, and decision-making processes
Creating greater representation and leadership opportunities for women and young workers
Improving the Unionโs capacity for collective bargaining, social dialogue, and effective workersโ representation
Reviewing and updating constitutional provisions to address the evolving needs of tannery workers and the changing industrial environment
Promoting stronger collaboration among workers, trade unions, and employers to improve working conditions and sustainable industrial relations
Tannery Workers Union (TWU) partnered with Bangladesh Labour Foundation (BLF) for technical and facilitation support throughout the constitutional review process, building on their longstanding collaboration to advance workersโ rights and improve conditions in the tannery sector.
With the support of Mondiaal FNV, the initiative reflects a shared commitment to strengthening workersโ organizations and promoting the welfare and well-being of tannery workers. Beyond strengthening trade union governance, BLF continues to engage with workers, unions, and employers at factory and sector levels to improve working conditions, foster constructive social dialogue, and build sustainable industrial relations.
Through this initiative, TWU and BLF aim to build a stronger, more inclusive, and future-ready workersโ organization that can effectively protect tannery workersโ rights, respond to emerging challenges, and contribute to a more equitable and sustainable tannery industry in Bangladesh.