Industrial Relations in Ready-Made Garment Industry of Bangladesh

Abstract

The Ready-made Garment (RMG) sector has opened opportunities for employment to many individuals in direct and indirect economic activities that ultimately support social growth, empowerment of women and alleviation of poverty in the world. The RMG industry acts as a catalyst for the development of Bangladesh. The Made in Bangladesh tag has also brought glory for the country, making it a prestigious brand across the world. Bangladesh, which was once termed by cynics a bottomless basket, has now become a basket full of wonders. Sound industrial relations (IRs) among the four actors such as trade unions (TUs), employers, government agents (GAs) and international buyers (IBs) of RMG industry makes this basket with full of wonders. The industrial situation which is usually termed as IRs describing the functional relationships that prevail due to the interactions among the actors. This study highlights the identification of the specific actors in IRs in RMG industry of Bangladesh and their roles. This study also focuses on the relative importance of the actors in establishing a sound IRs in the sector. This study uses the strategic choice theory to measure the relationships among the roles of the actors and resultant IRs in the RMG industry of Bangladesh..............