UNB, Dhaka:

Trade Union Platform for Migrant Workers (TPMW), Bangladesh’s first-ever trade union for migrant workers – began its operation on Wednesday.

The platform has 11 members, including seven federations comprising workers in readymade garment factories and domestic workplaces.

The four other members are non-government organisations advocating for migrant workers’ trade union rights.

The TPMW was formed in September last year to protect the rights of migrant workers. Ever since its formation, the platform engaged in activities to develop its capacity and logistic planning to fulfill its objective.

The members of the TPMW also visited the Maldives to learn about Bangladeshi expatriates in the country.

The TPMW hopes to collaborate with trade union bodies and the government in the Maldives to help Bangladeshi migrants live a dignified life.

Run by its constitution, the TPMW also compiled information deemed necessary to understand the country’s migration sector in a booklet, which was released at the ceremony held on Wednesday morning.

The TPMW is connecting Bangladeshi migrants through social networking platforms enabling them to share their experiences and become aware of their rights.

“We announce the beginning of our operation in full swing,” said Chandon Kumar Dey, coordinator, TPMW.

The TPMW included Bangladesh Garments and Industrial Workers Federation, Bangladesh Independent Garment Workers Union Federation, Bangladesh Revolutionary Garments Workers Federation, Sammilito Garments Sramik Federation, Ekota Garments Sramik Federation, Garments Sramik Sanghati Federation and National Domestic Women Workers Union.

The TPMW also included four associate organisations without giving them any voting power. They are Solidarity Center – Bangladesh, Bangladesh Center for Workers Solidarity, Awaj Foundation and Bangladeshi Ovhibashi Mohila Sramik Association.

The TPMW aims at creating an environment in which migration is safe. The TPMW wants to work with workers at home and abroad to make them aware of all discrimination.

“The initiative is unique for it sees the emergence of a body owned by migrant workers. Before its emergence, migrant workers’ rights were discussed by civil society organisations,” said AKM Nasim, country program director, Solidarity Center – Bangladesh.

Lily Gomes is the member secretary of the TPMW.

The program was also attended, among others, by Monika Hartsel, deputy country program director, Solidarity Center – Bangladesh, USAID deputy director Blair King and representatives from various international organisations advocating for the rights of migrant workers.