Close on heels of Alliance for Bangladesh Worker Safety announcing its 24/7 workers’ helpline (Amader Kotha) going independent, a recent finding by the platform of North American buyers and retailers has found that compensation and wages were the major concerns pertaining to which, the helpline has received inputs from the workers employed in the country’s readymade garment sector.
As per the findings of the buyers’ body, between December 1, 2014 and June 30, 2018, Amader Kotha reportedly received 19,582 inputs from the workers, of which 3,819 were related to compensation and wage.
The helpline reportedly received 2,793 complaints related to compensation benefits while 2,021 related to termination, as per the findings.
It may be mentioned here that following Alliance for Bangladesh Worker Safety’s confirmation on its exit from Bangladesh by the year end, its 24/7 worker helpline (Amader Kotha) meant for the workers in the country’s readymade garment sector and set up in 2014, is reportedly going to become independent soon.
“Amader Kotha has empowered hundreds of thousands of garment workers to report issues of concern anonymously and without fear of retribution. We are incredibly proud to leave the Helpline as a legacy, and that this important resource will continue and grow, under the leadership of the Helpline Project Partners,” reportedly observed Executive Director of the Alliance Jim Moriarty in Dhaka recently.
The helpline allows workers to report and resolve issues ranging from emergencies and urgent safety concerns to workplace abuse and wage compensation disputes.
