BGMEA Pleads With Government For Urgent Review of Minimum Wages

Trade & Policy

BGMEA Pleads With Government For Urgent Review of Minimum Wages

The official textile exporters’ body of Bangladesh, BGMEA, has expressed its concern over the fixture of minimum wages for workers in the textile sector to the government. In a letter from Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association addressed to the Labor Ministry, a plea for the formation of a wage board that will review the minimum wages for textile workers in the Ready Made Garments (RMG) sector, from time to time, was enclosed.

Industry observers and trade insiders disclosed that the BGMEA’s gesture was close on heels of mounting international pressure on the country for labor reforms. They also see it as a well-timed move to preempt labor unrest that threatens to scuttle all production in the country.

Disclosing further about the content of the letter that was signed by BGMEA President, Mohammad Siddiqur Rahman, the industry insider said, “It sought the revision of the minimum wages fixed for garment workers in order to enhance the image of the apparel sector both globally and in the domestic section.”

It may be recalled that the previous minimum wage fixture for garment workers had slotted the figure at BDT 5,300. This had taken place four years back in 2013. The BGMEA letter to the government cited the gap that existed ever since the previous revision of wages.

The BGMEA’s fears are not unfounded as recently in the Ashulia zone over 50 RMG units downed shutters for a week. The week-long protest was a consequence of workers agitating for a wage hike. These protests, besides stirring the hornet’s nest in the domestic scenario, also attracted international attention.

International attention was also focused on Bangladesh’s eligibility for generalized system of preferences (GSP) to enter the European Union (EU) markets. This was a consequence of rights groups from world over urging the EU to review the GSP status accorded to Bangladesh on the face of deteriorating situation on the workers’ rights front.

Labor leader, Sirajul Islam Rony expressed his opinion that the factory owners in Bangladesh’s textile sector must exercise discretion when negotiating product prices with overseas buyers. He also was of the view that the owners must buffer the effect if they face any failure and not let it trickle down to the workers.