A bill in Bangladesh has proposed labor-friendly measures. Some of the salient features of the bill are: giving workers more facilities — including reducing the percentage of workers’ participation required for forming trade unions at factories from 30 per cent to 20 per cent, prohibiting children from working in factories, and giving employees who work during festivals leave and wages for two days.

It also says support of 51 per cent workers would be needed as against the present two-thirds to call a strike. In case of natural death the family of the worker concerned will get enhanced compensation. In case of injury too the compensation amount has been hiked. Mentally and physically-challenged laborers cannot be employed in any risky work.

Registration has to be given to a trade union within 55 days of receiving the application. Earlier it was 60 days. The labor court has to deliver judgment in a case within 90 days from the date of filing. If it is not possible to announce the verdict in the stipulated time, the court will have to pass its order within 90 days. If a female worker gives birth before informing the authorities she will get an eight-week leave within three days after informing the authorities.