
On 20 January 2025, Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI) Bangladesh hosted a kick-off meeting in Dhaka to launch a new round of its Social Dialogue programme in collaboration with Marks & Spencer (M&S) and its supply chain factories.
The initiative aims to strengthen workplace practices and foster improved industrial relations in the ready-made garment (RMG) sector. Under this initiative, ETI Bangladesh will deliver a 18-month comprehensive social dialogue programme in two factories.
The meeting brought together 16 participants, including M&S representatives, factory representatives and ETI staff members. Key discussions centered on various aspects of the programme, formal signing of tripartite Letters of Commitment (LoC), marking the official start of the programme.
Planned activities include supporting and/ or strengthening the Participation Committees, training for management, supervisors, worker representatives as well as awareness raising and advocacy initiatives to facilitate workplace dialogue and industrial relations. This will also includer observance of International Women’s Day and the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.