In a media release the Lankan Trade Union Confederation (TUC) stated that the pathetic labour situation in the apparel sector of Sri Lanka is an open secret. According to the TUC, this is the main reason that caused AFL-CIO to file a petition against Sri Lankaprompting the US govt. to review the GSP benefit given to Sri Lanka.

The AFL-CIO submitted the complaint to the USgovernment as all efforts of local unions to address issues with Sri Lankan labour authorities failed despite repeated attempts. The TUC also said that this petition could have been avoided if local labour authorities took immediate actions regarding this matter and acted effectively and impartially.

A key factor raised in the AFL-CIO complaint against Sri Lanka’s non-compliance with the recommendations ILO quasi-judicial body’s decision on the restriction of the right to strike. The TUC also stated that since these international violations and exploitations have been exposed it is no longer possible to sweep these issues under the carpet or to cover them up with fake PR campaigns such as “garments without guilt.”

The TUC notes that the time has come for all stakeholders in the labour sector to accept the situation and it strongly urges all employers of the apparel sector to recognize trade unions, stop anti-union discriminations and respect ILO principles on Freedom of Association and Collective Bargaining.

The TUC hopes that the government will accept the situation and will communicate with the US Government authorities to come to a reasonable solution and save the GSP benefit.