Explaining Low Level of Trade Unionism: The Case of RMG Sector in Bangladesh

Bangladesh, a country that has been a solid example of low levels of trade unionism in the last 40 years, is significantly influenced by globalisation and neoliberalism, the main factors contributing to the decline of trade unionism. These factors have played a key role in the decline, particularly in the ready-made garments (RMG) sector, which currently has only 5% to 10% union membership. As a result, millions of RMG workers work in shoddy factories with meagre minimum wages. At the same time, their RMG factories lack trade union rights and collective bargaining power, leading to extreme exploitation in the modern century. This article analyses the empirical data collected from Bangladesh to understand the reasons for the decline of trade unionism in Bangladesh over the last 40 years. The scholarly recommendations provided at the end of this article are a call to action for all stakeholders to contribute to the necessary structural changes in trade unionism in Bangladesh.