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Move to allow TUs at EPZs

Foreign investors deeply concerned

Staff Correspondent
Foreign investors in the exclusive industrial zones yesterday expressed deep concern over die government's move to allow trade unionism there.
"We, the investors in the export processing zones (EPZs), are very, very concerned about (he intention of government," said Youngone Corporation Chairman Kihak Sung,
on behalf of die foreign investors, at a press conference.
The chairman of the largest industrial unit in the restricted zones termed the situation very alarming, "We are in danger as our investment amounting to around $1 billion would be ruined, and 1.30 lakh local workers may lose jobs in consequence of I the nod io] trade unionism in the export processing zones."
He urged the government to work out a specific set of goals and develop die existing Workers Wei fare Committee in conjunction with the International Labour Organisation to ensure 'freedom' to associations of workers.
The government is in a dilemma as the US is threatening to cancel generalisation system of preference (GSP) in January next year, if
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Bangladesh fails to withdraw the restriction on trade unionism in the EPZs.
The EPZ investors are also planning to submit a memorandum to Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, urging her to intervene to protect their investments.
They predicted a serious slump in economic activities if the EPZ were ignored as the investors are related to the development of a number of other businesses like hotels, banks, insurance companies, shipping and express deliveries.
The investors also blamed the government for keeping them in the dark and for not discussing the sensitive issue with them before taking any decision.
"We were surprised [at] seeing a notification [of 1991] only a few months ago that the government decided to allow workers' rights in the EPZs from January 2004," said Sung.
The notification was never circulated among the investors or publicised by the government, he claimed.
"We are not against workers' rights in the factories, but that should [have to] be [taken] through discussion and negotiation with all stakeholders including the investors.
"Everything should be clear and transparent in this regard."
Representatives of 20 industrial units out of 180 from the two main EPZs in Dhaka and Chittagong were present at the Jatiya Press Club briefing. President of Dream Bengal Garments Tomoki Baba, Executive Director of Op-speed (BD) Ltd. Yasufumi Matsuo and Youngone Group President Peter Bauer were among them.
Highlighting a gloomy investment scenario in Bangladesh, Sung said the companies would face great uncertainties that might lead to closure and serious fall in production.
A number of foreign investors also told journalists they are yet to take any decision on pulling out
their investments but they would certainly think twice before expanding their business or investing further, if trade unionism were allowed.
The annual export of $1.2 billion from the EPZs will also be affected if the government goes ahead with the decision, they warned.
The investors claimed that the working conditions in the EPZs and wages, benefits and other facilities are 'remarkably better' than in factories outside.
The average salary is 25 percent higher than other factories with a mandatory provision of raising it 10 percent annually, they said.
Foreign investment in the EPZs is estimated at around $600 million.