Workshop for Empowering Basic Trade Union Leaders for a Just Transition!

Bangladesh Labour Foundation (BLF), supported by Solidaridad, hosted a workshop titled “Technology Transition in the Apparel Sector of Bangladesh and Necessity of Just Transition” on August 2, 2024. This important event brought together root level trade union leaders from Ashulia, Savar and Hemayetpur.

The workshop aimed to raise awareness among participants about the impacts of technology transition. Leaders were given a comprehensive understanding of the current challenges workers face, especially those related to technology and climate change. They were educated on the concept of Just Transition and alternative job opportunities. Leaders also engaged in brainstorming sessions to develop an action plan for advocating and implementing Just Transition policies within their work areas.

Technology Transition is inevitable in the apparel sector of Bangladesh. But this sector and the workers are not yet ready to take advantage of this transition as there are significant skill gaps among workers followed by the lack of upskilling and reskilling training opportunities for workers. Due to this workers are losing their job and they are not getting any support during this period. Climate change makes the situation worse as many migrated workers are coming to cities making the situation more complex.

Basic trade union leaders are crucial in defending worker’s rights at the grassroots level and are often the first to address worker’s issues. However, it is unfortunate that many of these leaders lack essential knowledge about technology transition, alternative job opportunities and the very concept of Just Transition.

This workshop marks a significant milestone to advocate for a Just Transition, aiming to ensure that technological transition benefits all workers in Bangladesh’s apparel sector. By empowering trade union leaders with essential knowledge and tools, we are laying the groundwork for a more equitable and sustainable future for the apparel workers of Bangladesh.