BEPZA chided for not following PF laws for workers
21 Feb '06
2 min read
The failure of the Bangladesh Export Processing Zone Authority (BEPZA) to ensure that employers establish Provident Funds for their workforce in the zones is nothing short of robbery and is costing workers thousands of Taka annually, it was claimed.
Addressing the Bangladesh National Council of Textile, Clothing and Leather Workers' Unions (BNC), Neil Kearney, General Secretary of the Brussels-based International Textile Garment and Leather Workers' Federation said EPZ regulations demanded the creation of Provident Funds by all EPZ employers but inaction on the part of BEPZA means that few such Funds actually exist thus robbing workers of the equivalent of two months wages annually.
Said Mr Kearney, “BEPZA are quick to demand that workers obey the law and abide by the EPZ rules. Minor indiscretions usually mean dismissal."
"However, when it comes to employers, BEPZA too often appears to turn a blind eye. Take the requirement on employers to establish Provident Funds. The regulations are clear. But, employers are given no guidance. And BEPZA doesn't appear to keep records of the Provident Funds in existence or of their rules. Nor do they appear to follow up with employers to ensure that they adhere to the regulations."
“Not surprisingly, given BEPZA inaction, few employers appear to comply with the law. And unlike workers who break BEPZA-imposed rules there seems to be no penalty for this employer illegality."
“Why is this happening? Is it deliberate or is it just ineptitude? It is difficult to tell! But, it is hard not to feel that this is just one further measure designed to rob workers in the zones of their rights."
marketing@alchempro.com
