Fashion
Bangladesh allows unions with min 20 workers; industry rejects move
The law required the consent of 20 per cent of the total workforce to form a trade union earlier.
Bangladesh recently issued a gazette notification announcing a new ordinance amending the Labour Act, allowing trade unions to be formed with the consent of at least 20 workers.
The law required the consent of 20 per cent of the total workforce to form a trade union earlier.
While the Bangladesh Labour Foundation hailed the move, apparel and textile industry leaders rejected the ordinance.
The Bangladesh Labour (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025, was issued by the legislative and parliamentary affairs department.
The number of workers in a factory who apply to form a trade union will be registered based on the total number of workers.
For establishments with 20 to 300 workers, at least 20 workers may apply; with 301 to 500 workers, 40 workers; with 501 to 1,500 workers, 100 workers; with 1,501 to 3,000 workers, 300 workers; and with more than 3,001 workers, 400 workers.
“This is more than just a legal update—it’s a major victory for our dignity and future, ensuring our labour governance is finally brought closer to international standards,” the Bangladesh Labour Foundation (BLF) said in a LinkedIn post.
The ordinance brings sweeping, essential changes that put the workers first, BLF noted.
For the first time, domestic and agricultural workers are explicitly included in key chapters concerning trade union rights, welfare and social security. Their essential work is now formally recognised and protected under the law, BLF said.
Paid maternity leave is now set at 120 days. The high-risk shipbreaking sector is now explicitly included under the definition of a regulated establishment.
“These reforms will strengthen our freedom of association and collective bargaining power, and they are vital for securing our jobs and reinforcing Bangladesh’s global trade standing,” BLF added.
Meanwhile, apparel and textile industry leaders have rejected the ordinance, saying several key provisions had been added to the law outside the consensus reached at the meeting of the Tripartite Consultative Council (TCC), according to domestic media reports.
They urged the government to immediately revise the relevant sections in line with the decisions adopted at the meeting.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)
The growth rate was 1.1 per cent points higher than that recorded in the fourth quarter of 2025, indicating improved momentum in industrial activity. On a month-on-month (MoM) basis, industrial output increased by 0.28 per cent in March.
China’s industrial output grew 6.1 per cent year on year (YoY) in Q1 2026, accelerating from the previous quarter.
Growth was driven by manufacturing and mining, while utilities posted moderate gains.
On a monthly basis, output rose 0.28 per cent in March, signalling stable industrial momentum.
The data reflects resilience in large-scale enterprises, supported by improving demand conditions.
Industrial output, a key economic indicator, measures the activity of large enterprises with an annual main business turnover of at least ¥20 million (~$2.91 million).
Sector-wise, the mining industry’s value-added output increased by 6 per cent year on year (YoY) during the quarter, while the manufacturing sector registered a stronger growth of 6.4 per cent. Meanwhile, the production and supply of electricity, heat, gas, and water rose by 4.3 per cent, said Chinese media reports.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (JP)
Italy’s apparel exports declined **.** per cent year on year to $*,***.** million in January ****, down from $*,***.** million in January ****. Imports also fell **.** per cent to $***.** million, compared to $*,***.** million a year earlier, indicating a broad-based slowdown in trade flows at the start of the year, according to *fashion.com/market-intelligence/texpro-textile-and-apparel/” target=”_blank”>sourcing intelligence tool TexPro.
The January contraction comes amid a broader environment of cautious retail demand and tighter inventory management across Europe. Nevertheless, the strong full-year **** figures indicate that Italy’s apparel sector continues to maintain stable trade fundamentals, supported by diversified export markets and a balanced sourcing network.
“We are thrilled to welcome Erinn Murphy to Kontoor Brands,” said executive vice president, chief financial officer & global head of operations, Joe Alkire. “Having led investor relations and corporate strategy from within a high-growth consumer brand and nearly twenty years of experience covering global lifestyle brands as a respected senior equity analyst, she understands what drives long-term value creation from every angle. Her perspective will expand the operational and strategic depth of the Helly Hansen leadership team as we focus on accelerating growth and expanding the brand’s global reach, while also strengthening how Kontoor engages with the investment community.”
Kontoor Brands has named Erinn Murphy VP, global head of finance & operations for Helly Hansen and Corporate Investor Relations, starting May in Oslo.
She joins from Crocs, Inc., bringing nearly two decades of experience across investor relations, strategy and equity research.
Michael Karapetian will expand his role and return in Q3 2026 to support transition and investor engagement.
Murphy joins Kontoor from Crocs, Inc., a global leader in innovative casual footwear, where she served as Senior Vice President, Investor Relations and Corporate Strategy. Prior to that, she served as Managing Director of Consumer Equity Capital Markets for leading investment bank, Piper Sandler. She was recently appointed as a member of the board of directors for Revolve Group, Inc. (NYSE: RVLV).
Murphy’s appointment coincides with an expanded role for Michael Karapetian, who will serve as Vice President, Global Brand & Operations Finance and Corporate Investor Relations, with responsibility for all aspects of global brand and supply chain finance and corporate investor relations. Karapetian will return from his international assignment at Helly Hansen in the third quarter of 2026 to allow for a transition period.
Note: The headline, insights, and image of this press release may have been refined by the Fibre2Fashion staff; the rest of the content remains unchanged.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (RM)
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