BGMEA and ILO Deepen Collaboration to Drive Better Lives for Bangladesh RMG Workers

BGMEA and the International Labour Organization (ILO) have reaffirmed their commitment to driving better lives for ready-made garment workers through expanded collaboration on skills, wellbeing, and social dialogue.

Worker Wellbeing as a Strategic Priority

The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) and the International Labour Organization (ILO) have reaffirmed their long-standing partnership to drive better lives for the country's four million ready-made garment (RMG) workers. The collaboration positions worker wellbeing — not just compliance — as a strategic priority for the sector's long-term export competitiveness.

Skills Upgrading for Career Progression

A central pillar of the partnership is skills upgrading. The two organisations are working together to expand vocational training programmes that allow sewing operators to progress into higher-paying roles such as industrial engineering technicians, quality controllers, and mid-management supervisors. The initiative addresses both worker aspiration and industry need — factories report persistent shortages of skilled mid-management staff, while workers seek clear career pathways beyond entry-level production roles.

Social Dialogue and Workplace Grievance Resolution

The partnership also focuses on strengthening social dialogue mechanisms inside factories, including functional Participation Committees, effective grievance redressal systems, and training for both workers and supervisors on conflict resolution. Improved social dialogue has been shown to reduce industrial unrest, lower absenteeism, and improve productivity — outcomes that benefit both workers and factory owners.

Women's Empowerment and Health

With women comprising over 60% of the RMG workforce, the BGMEA-ILO partnership gives particular attention to gender-responsive workplace policies. Initiatives include anti-harassment training, maternal health support, childcare provision, and leadership development programmes for women workers seeking to move into supervisory roles. These efforts are designed to ensure that the women who power Bangladesh's apparel exports share in the sector's economic gains.