Radio show launched for workers
The International Labour Organization (ILO) with the support of the Government of Bangladesh and the Government of Norway yesterday launched a Bangla-language radio show for workers entitled My Labour, My Rights featuring workers rights experts, the shows create better understanding of rights and responsibilities in the workplace.
The weekly, one-hour radio talk shows will be broadcast on Radio Today (89.6FM) starting today at 17.00hrs. In all, 16 shows are scheduledin a regular Friday at 17.00hrs slot. The first show will look at festival pay and bonuses.
Speaking at the launch held yesterday Information Minister Hasanul Haq Inu said: This radio show will be listened to by large numbers of workers around the country. By covering important issues in an interesting and informative manner it will boost understanding of basic labour issues to the benefit of workers and employers alike.
Md. Mujibul Haque, state minister for the Ministry of Labour and Employment, said, Workers around Bangladesh need to better understand both their rights and their responsibilities. I strongly encourage workers was well as supervisors and managers, union members and even those outside of factories to tune in each week, listen and learn.
The main target audience of these radio talk discussion programmes are workers, supervisors and factory-level managers. This radio show will mainly focus on export-orientated sectors such as ready-made garments, shrimp processing, shoes and leather. However the majority of the issues covered are equally relevant to workers in all sectors.
Srinivas B Reddy, country director ILO Bangladesh said, This radio show will help contribute to improved industrial relationsin Bangladesh. We plan to feature a variety of speakers including experts on labour rights as well as union leaders and other special guests who will really help listeners understand workplace issues that are important to them.
The host of My Labour, My Rights will be RJ Sakib. Each week he will be joined by an expert guest to discuss the topic of the week. The audience will also be invited to call in with their questions on the subject so that they can be discussed on air. In order to further appeal to the target audience the shows will also feature songs performed by workers as well as a weekly Know your labour rights competition to win various prizes.
