Bangladesh govt, RMG unit owners agree to meet all demands of workers

The demands include raising workers' attendance bonus by Tk 225 and tiffin and night allowance by Tk 10, according to domestic media outlets.

Labour and employment secretary AHM Shafiquzzaman announced the decision.

Normal operations in the industrial zones are expected to resume tomorrow, labour and employment adviser Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan said.

RMG manufacturers yesterday were not ready to form a new wage board or implement the annual 10-per cent wage increment demanded by labour leaders, the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) had announced last evening after an emergency meeting.

In a tripartite meeting of the ministry of labour and employment, manufacturers and labour leaders earlier yesterday, labour leaders had presented 18 demands. While 16 of the 18 demands were addressed during the meeting, manufacturers remained adamant on their stand regarding a new wage board and annual increment. Different deadlines were set for compliance with 15 demands.

The last wage board was formed in 2023, and wages were set that November, less than a year ago. The government then set the new minimum wage for RMG workers at Tk 12,500, with 63 per cent being the basic pay. This wage took effect in January this year.

Yesterday’s meeting had decided that manufacturers will pay all dues to workers within October 30, and in case of failure to meet the deadline, the ministry will take legal action.

The labour ministry will independently investigate workers who were blacklisted by owners.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)