Urmi Akter, a garment worker at Hoplun apparels ltd, the president of the Hoplun Apparels Ltd. Sommilito Sramik Union and General Secretary of the Garments Workers Welfare Association, made a tremendous journey when she participated in the UN Asia Pacific Regional Forum, an opportunity made possible by the support of the Laudes Foundation. This prestigious event provided her with a global platform to share her insights and experiences, particularly on the last day panel where she passionately discussed the importance of trade unions.
Being in forum, Urmi had the opportunity to meet with the diversity of participants and the wide array of perspectives represented. The forum brought together leaders, activists, policymakers, and scholars from across the Asia-Pacific region, all dedicated to advancing the rights and welfare of workers. For Urmi, it was an inspiring environment, one that reinforced her belief in the power of collective action and solidarity.
On the final day of the forum, Urmi took her place on the panel with a sense of pride and responsibility. She began her address by sharing her personal journey, highlighting the challenges she faced as a garment worker and the pivotal role that trade unions played in her development. Urmi recounted how joining the union transformed her understanding of workers’ rights and equipped her with the tools to advocate for better working conditions. She emphasized that trade unions are not merely support systems for workers but are essential for ensuring fair treatment, equitable wages, and safe working environments.
Urmi’s speech highlights into the practical benefits that trade unions bring to the workplace. She explained how unions serve as a bridge between workers and management, facilitating dialogue and negotiations that lead to mutually beneficial outcomes. In her own experience at Hoplun Apparels, the union had successfully singed three collective bargaining agreements for improved safety measures, fair wages, and reasonable working hours. These achievements, she argued, were not just wins for the workers but also contributed to the overall productivity and sustainability of the company.
A significant part of Urmi’s message focused on the broader impact of trade unions on society. She highlighted the role of unions in promoting women leadership, ensuring workers’ rights, social justice and economic equality, pointing out that when workers are empowered, entire communities’ benefit. Urmi underscored the importance of unions in advocating for policy changes at the national and international levels, which can lead to systemic improvements in labor standards.
Urmi also addressed the challenges that trade unions face, particularly in regions where union activities are restricted or stigmatized. She also talked about how women organizers and factory leaders face extreme harassment and violence. She called for greater support from international organizations, governments, and civil society to protect the rights of union members and to promote the establishment of unions in unorganized sectors. Her plea was not just for protection but for a proactive approach to fostering an environment where trade unions can thrive.
In closing, Urmi expressed her gratitude to the Laudes Foundation for their unwavering support, which had enabled her to bring her voice to such a prominent platform. She reaffirmed her commitment to the cause of workers’ rights and encouraged all participants to continue their efforts in strengthening trade unions across the Asia-Pacific region.
Urmi Akter left the forum with a deeper sense of purpose. Her participation not only highlighted the critical importance of trade unions but also showcased the powerful role that individuals can play in advocating for change. Her journey from garment worker to union leader and international advocate stands as a testament to the transformative power of solidarity and collective action.
Catch more in here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=88ODUj7bSSo&list=PLdofJ8l7Vr0QDtf8kL7txF7oP-UG44hEE&index=2