The Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments (DIFE) has enhanced its labour helpline 16357, making it more technologically capable and accessible. With the goal of ensuring workers' rights and making essential services more available, the upgraded helpline now offers round-the-clock toll-free assistance nationwide, including improved mechanisms for lodging and resolving complaints.
According to DIFE, the upgraded version of the helpline introduces faster, more transparent, and effective complaint management. It incorporates advanced data analytics, real-time tracking of complaint progress, and instant response capabilities. Through this service, workers can now report a wide range of labour-related issues such as wages, bonuses, maternity benefits, unfair termination, service benefits, workplace safety, leave entitlements, and working hours. Legal consultations can also be accessed via the platform.
The new version of the worker-friendly helpline was officially inaugurated on Wednesday, July 2, at the Ministry of Labour by Secretary of the Ministry of Labour and Employment A.H.M. Shafiquzzaman. The event was presided over by DIFE’s Inspector General and Additional Secretary Omar Md. Imrul Mohsin. Representatives from labour organisations, stakeholders, and media were also present.
Speakers at the event praised the technology-driven initiative, expressing optimism that it would help build a compassionate and accountable labour administration by earning the trust of the country’s workforce.
