RMG industry being the most prominent sector in Bangladesh where automation offers a unique opportunity to bridge the gap between tradition and innovation. After the introduction of automation in the workforce it has changed the nature of labor and changing industries all over. Now with automation, the work that needed four to five people can be done by just one with more accuracy. But here poses the challenge of potential job loss in a sector that ranks second in formal employment sector after the public sector.
Apart from technological considerations, the core of this transition journey lies labor rights issue. Bangladesh RMG workforce faces several issues, such as low wages and a lack of unionization. Though we have made significant changes with policy reforms like standard working hours and mandatory maternity leave are steps in the right direction. However, the need for continuous dialogues, fair compensation, and avenues for reemployment post-automation is still missing from our regular dialogue for workers’ rights.
With automation there are some challenges that may come forefront. As automation becomes more widespread the threat of job displacement grows with raising concerns about what will happen to the current workforce. According to a study published by a2i and ILO, automation may eliminate 27 lakh, or 60%, of the RMG sector's jobs by 2040 (a2i, ILO 2019)[1]. Among these losses, the major occupational roles in the RMG sector that are potentially at risk with automation are floor supervisor, designer, CAD-CAM operator, production planner, knit and sewing machine operator and quality control executive. And among these jobs, RMG factories in Bangladesh employs 64.57% women in sewing section and 15.88% women in knitting section (BRACU, ETI & GIZ 2022)[2].
This gives us a picture that women will be particularly affected in the RMG industry. The already looming gender disparity in the RMG factories have a possibility to further exacerbated by automation. The patriarchal belief that women are not good with technology thus they cannot operate or control modern machineries significantly contributes to the issue. Women workers encounter obstacles when it comes to adapting to machinery, from lack of training to lack of confidence in women’s capabilities from both men and women workers, as well as management. Furthermore, women generally get less opportunities for education compared to men as a result men have more advantages to get jobs related to operating modern machineries, which may lead to a decrease in women workers involvement in this sector. This will inturn contribute and exacerbate the already decline in women workers in Bangladesh RMG industry.
In the face of these challenges, opportunities also emerge. Prioritizing gender sensitivity in this transition is crucial to ensure a more just and inclusive transition. Throughout history we have witnessed that with every industrial revolution ushers in new opportunities. As automation continues to progress, new roles will also emerge, emphasizing the importance of upskilling-reskilling and continuous learning. Workers can be empowered through the establishment of training institutes tailored to the evolving needs of the RMG sector. The role of federation and trade unions also play a crucial role in voicing the concerns of potential job loss and ensuring worker rights are not violated. Through timely and active dialogue, federations can take joint initiatives with factories, business associations and government institutions to ensure just and inclusive transition. It is essential that individuals have access to quality education to learn how to navigate the automated world. Technological innovation can bridge the gap between job losses and new job opportunities by creating new roles within the industry.
As we stand at the intersection of automation, the need for a just and inclusive transition cannot be overstated. It is possible to create a future where innovation supports our workforce rather than replacing it, if we embrace automation with empathy and forethought. Need for a well-designed intervention that not only mitigate the negative impact of automation but also create opportunities for empowerment and equality. With placing a high priority on worker well-being, skill development, and ethical practices, we can navigate this evolving journey with grace and resilience. Creating a culture of meaningful social dialogue and freedom of association could be an essential instrument to identify challenges and possible ways forwards for creating an inclusive and just transition.
- Kazi Akib Hassan, Programme Officer -Monitoring Evaluation and Learning
[1] Access to Information (a2i). ILO. (August,2019). Future Skills: Finding Emerging Skills to Tackle the Challenges of Automation in Bangladesh.
[2] BRAC University, ETI Bangladesh, GIZ. (January, 2023). Study on the Decline of Women Workers in the Textile Industry in Bangladesh
