Group-F
Nawshin Salsabeel
Tashnia Rahman Ifti
Sumaya Samanta
Wahfa Haque
EVALUATING THE ROLE OF TRADE UNIONS IN
SHAPING LABOR-MANAGEMENT RELATIONS: A CASE
STUDY OF AMAN
A Comprehensive Analysis of Trade Unions' Impact on Labor Rights and Industry Landscape
INTRODUCTION
Importance of Trade Unions & Labor-
Management Relations
o Vital for workplace dynamics,
especially in RMG sector.
o Workers' collective voice for fair
wages, safety, and job security.
o Labor-management relations focus on
negotiations, conflict resolution,
and policy-making.
INTRODUCTION
Challenges in Bangladesh's Garment
Sector
o Weak labour law enforcement and low
trust between workers and employers.
o Allegations of poor working conditions
and labour rights violations.
o Resistance to unionization due to
political and economic factors.
INTRODUCTION
Aman Group's Approach
o Progressive labour-management
practices, focusing on employee
welfare and collaborative efforts.
o Innovation, sustainability, and
ethical practices.
History: Development of Trade Unions in
Bangladesh Garment Industry
Origins in the 1970s Focus on Worker Rights
Trade unions emerged in Bangladesh during the 1970s, Initially, unions prioritized industrial disputes and the
responding to the needs of workers. safeguarding of worker rights.
Impact on Labor Relations
Evolution of Purpose
These unions have significantly influenced labor
Unians evolved to address broader labor management
management relations in Bangladesh's economy.
issues within the garment sector.
Aman Group's Union Development
➢ Aman Graphics & Designs Limited formed its
first union in 2019 after a significant portion
of workers requested union recognition.
➢ This marks a shift towards collective labour
activism, improving workers' ability to advocate
for their rights and negotiate with management.
METHODOLOGY USED
Primary Data
Secondary Data
Limitations
> Direct Interviews > Internet, Company > Participants had to
from workers, HR Website, Governmental be informed
Reports, Articles and
personnel, Union Medias > Small Sample Size
Representatives
A Case on Dispute
➢ Background of the Dispute
o In July 2024, a change in government policy declared
August 15th, previously a national holiday, a regular
working day. According to the Bangladesh Labour Act
2006, workers are entitled to 15 national holidays annually,
making the shift significant.
o Employees at Aman Knitwears raised concerns due to the
lack of a compensatory holiday, leading to
dissatisfaction among the workforce.
A Case on Dispute
➢ Union's Role in the Dispute
o The trade union at Aman Knitwear's intervened
and mediated between workers and
management, leading to a resolution.
o After discussions with HR and upper
management, a compensatory holiday was ➢ Significance of the Resolution
granted on September 16th (Eid-e-Milad-un-
Nabi), effectively addressing the workers’ o Demonstrated the union's effectiveness in
concerns.. representing workers' interests while adhering to
the legal framework.
o Showcased Aman Knitwears' commitment to
ethical labour practices and its dedication to
compliance with national labour laws.
Key Functions of Trade Unions at Aman Knitwear's
Advocacy for Awareness Campaigns
Workers' Rights and Training
Mediation of Legal Framework
Disputes
Limited Worker
Participation
Only about 20% of the workforce
actively participates
CHALLENGES FACED
Management Opposition
Broader resistance to unionization within the
BYTRADE UNIONS
RMG sector undermines the collective bargaining AT AMAN
power of workers in many factories.
Financial Constraints
Unions face budgetary constraints that limit their
ability to expand their programs, such as offering
legal assistance or organizing more awareness
campaigns.
Worker and Management Perspectives
Worker Feedback
▪ Appreciates the union’s role in advocating for wage increases and resolving conflicts.
▪ Express concerns about low participation rates
Management Feedback
▪ Values the union’s contribution to maintaining a cooperative work environment and
resolving issues before they escalate.
▪ Acknowledges the challenges of balancing workers' demands with operational needs,
though the overall relationship remains constructive.
RECOMENDATIONS
➢ Strengthen ➢ Expand Union
Activities ➢ Promote Gender-
Union
Sensitive Policies
Representation
and Membership ➢ Enhance
Transparency in ➢ Set Industry
Policy-Making Benchmarks and
➢ Formalize Influence Sector-
Dispute Wide Change
Resolution
Mechanisms
CONCLUSION
Despite challenges, Aman demonstrates
how effective union-management
cooperation can create a positive, ethical
work environment. The company serves as
a model for labour relations in
Bangladesh’s garment sector.
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