Workers unrest in garments sector must not be ignored

Since the issue of Bangladesh garment workers deprived of fair wages and benefits is widely discussed in the international arena.

Therefore, it is highly necessary to look into the matter as to why workers are not given wages as per the new pay scale and their discontent over the adjustment of grades.

The new pay scale for workers is supposed to be implemented from December 1, 2023.

Although the new pay scale has been implemented in most of the garment factories, owners of some factories are lingering. As a result, dissatisfaction has erupted among the workers.

According to a newspaper report, workers of at least 10 factories in Gazipur demonstrated in the last one week seeking wages as per new pay scale and adjustment of grades. Reportedly, a factory was shut for an indefinite period on Monday.

Besides, a unit of a factory in Savar has also remained shut. Meanwhile, following a demonstration of workers, five factories were shut down in Savar EPZ area. However, later four of those factories were opened.

In sequel to labour unrest, another factory has also been shut for an indefinite period, says the reports.

The new pay scale for RMG workers was declared at the end of last year and Tk 12,000 was fixed as minimum wage. Earlier, minimum wage was Tk 8,000.

In the new pay scale, grades for workers were brought down to four from seven. As a result, the senior workers have been affected. Their wages come down to the level of junior workers. So they protested against this.

Sadly, two workers, including a woman, died during the protest. Despite so many incidents, it is unfortunate if the owners want to linger the implementation of the new pay scale.

It is to be noted that the wage of workers is small in comparison with the operation cost of factories.

The owners should realise that a worker cannot run his or her family with Tk 12,000 in this period of high inflation. Senior workers have been deprived by lessening the number of grades, which is unacceptable.

The solution to the problem is urgent. In this regard, a committee consisting of representatives of owners and workers can be formed.

In the wake of flouting labour rights, different quarters are apprehending that the US may target Bangladesh in implementing their labour policy.

If the labour unrest takes place in any factory, it may spread to other factories. Many such incidents took place in the past. So we need to be cautious.