Decent Work Due Diligence Bangladesh

Decent work due diligence Bangladesh

Mondiaal FNV works with partners to improve labour conditions in the textile, leather and footwear industries in Bangladesh. By organising surveys for workers in hundreds of factories, we collect data on risks, malpractices and opportunities. This information helps to strengthen trade unions, address issues in companies and motivate governments to protect labour rights.

Survey on working conditions in 370 factories

Mondiaal FNV is working on a project in Bangladesh that is co-funded by the European Union. The working conditions of workers at 370 factories in the textile, leather and footwear industries are being researched using surveys adapted to international and Bangladeshi labour standards.

Survey results shared with trade unions, companies, government bodies and the EU

The survey results are shared with trade unions, factory management and companies that purchase products from these factories, to ensure malpractices are discussed and addressed. The results are also made available to a wider audience because the data concerns a large number of factories. Together with our trade union partners, we start conversations with employer organisations, government bodies and the labour inspectorate.

The European Union will also share the survey results in discussions with the government of Bangladesh during trade agreement negotiations.

Objective: respect for human rights and decent work conditions

The project objective is clear: ensure that human rights and decent work conditions in Bangladesh are respected by companies and protected by the government. This contributes toward fair trade and strengthens Bangladesh’s position in international agreements such as the GSP+ trade agreement with the EU.

Cooperation with partners

We are working with two partners on this project: Bangladesh Labour Foundation and WageIndicator Foundation.

Bangladesh Labour Foundation (BLF) a national labour rights organisation committed to promoting decent work, social justice and sustainable development for all workers in Bangladesh. Since it was established in 2001, BLF has worked alongside trade unions, civil society, government agencies and international partners to ensure workers’ voices are heard and their rights are protected.

WageIndicator Foundation is a global, independent, non-profit organisation. Since it was established in 2000, WageIndicator has become a global organisation that collects, analyses and shares information on salaries and wages, minimum wages, living wages, labour laws, gig and platform work, collective labour agreements and much more.

Five main project activities

Surveying workers: the Decent Work Check, an extensive questionnaire, is used annually to collect data on factory labour conditions. Subjects include working hours, wage, safety and trade union freedom.
- Developing the Decent Work Check, a questionnaire with 50 indicators based on international and Bangladeshi labour standards.
- Training 20 data collectors in the Dhaka, Gazipur, Narayanganj and Chattogram districts.
- Collecting data, 10,150 workers (30 per factory on average), of which at least 50% are women, are surveyed annually (2025–2028). The data are entered, analysed and subsequently shared with factory management, trade unions and brands purchasing from the factories.

Mapping gender: at least 50% of the respondents are female. This provides information on specific challenges women face, such as pregnancy and maternity leave, safety and access to sanitary facilities.

Fostering dialogue and improvements: the results are shared with trade unions, factory management and international brands. We work together to find solutions to avoid malpractices.

Influencing policy decision-making: the data collected are used to help trade unions lobbying efforts and motivate government agencies to reform labour legislation.

Creating international impact: organising workshops with EU delegations, brand representatives and other stakeholders to share the results and to provide recommendations on compliance with Everything But Arms (EBA) and GSP+ requirements.

What is the Decent Work Check?
The Decent Work Check is a digital tool that uses 50 indicators to measure the degree to which factories meet national and international labour standards. The tool is aligned with International Labour Organization (ILO) standards and Bangladeshi labour legislation. The results ensure trade unions and companies have practical guidelines to improve work conditions.
Why is this relevant?
Bangladesh is an important EU trade partner, especially for clothing and leather goods. But the country’s compliance with labour rights is lagging behind. This projects aims to change that. Collecting and sharing structural data helps trade unions to get their voices heard, companies to take responsibility and governments to improve policies.

Expected impact

Stronger trade unions with more influence
Trade union representatives take part in training courses and receive support to become better negotiators and to lobby for better working conditions. They also learn how to use the project data to support their positions in communications.
Better collaboration between trade unions, employers and government agencies
The data collected are used in negotiation meetings between trade unions, employer organisations and government agencies. This creates a common foundation to improve labour legislation and address malpractices.
Greater pressure on Bangladesh to adhere to international agreements
Trade unions are monitoring whether Bangladesh is adhering to international labour rights agreements. These results are used to hold the government accountable for its responsibilities, especially within the framework of EU trade agreements such as EBA and GSP+.

Potential additional positive impacts

Human rights – the project promotes freedom of expression, association and peaceful protest.
Gender equality – women are actively involved and gender analysis is part of data processing.
Social dialogue – trade union representatives take part in training courses and receive support to strengthen their negotiation role with employers and government agencies.
Sustainability – we are working on a business model where companies contribute to the continuation of the Decent Work Check.

Mondiaal FNV manages this through the EU-supported project under the EU funding instruments NDICI Human Rights and Democracy; and NDICI Civil Society – Country-level Support for Bangladesh.
NDICI Human Rights and Democracy and NDICI Civil Society
The NDICI-GE (Global Europe: Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument) for the 2021–2027 period is the most significant EU instrument for international partnerships regarding sustainable development, climate change, democracy, good governance, human rights, peace and security in EU-neighbouring countries and beyond.
The project is implemented in collaboration with the WageIndicator Foundation and our partner in Bangladesh, the Bangladesh Labour Foundation (BLF).
Funding
The project is co-funded by the European Union.

Photo: Catrien Ariens

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