The Labor Reforms Commission has recommended introduction of risk allowance, insurance and pension for journalists.
The commission submitted its report to Chief Adviser Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus on Monday at the State Guest House Jamuna.
The interim government formed a 10-member Labor Reforms Commission on 17 November, headed by Syed Sultan Uddin Ahmed, Executive Director of the Bangladesh Institute of Labor Studies (BILS).
Regarding journalists/media workers, the commission has recommended for enacting a separate law on the model of “The Newspaper Employees (Conditions of Service) Act 1974” for journalists and workers of all types of media (electronic and print) or add a separate chapter to the existing labour law.
The commission also recommended broadening the definition of “newspaper worker” in existing labor laws to “media worker,” encompassing employees in online, broadcast, radio, and television sectors.
Other key recommendations include: Mandatory issuance of appointment letters to all journalists in print and electronic media; implementation of defined working hours, leave policies, and maternity leave for female journalists; recognition of behind-the-camera roles as video journalist; and mandatory monthly salary documentation by media owners and send it to the Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments to ensure fair wage practices.
Moreover introduction of risk allowance, insurance and pension for all journalists is also recommended.
Additionally, the commission stressed the need to reform the Journalists Welfare Trust to ensure it can effectively serve all media professionals.
