Ready-made garment workers in Dhaka protest for a pay hike on Thursday. The demonstration paralysed traffic and prompted a chase and counter-chase with police. — -FE Photo The government would soon announce a new wage structure for apparel-sector workers as the minimum wage board is scheduled to sit on Tuesday next to discuss and make a decision in this regard.
"Hopefully a decision will come out from the meeting. If it fails to reach a consensus, the issue will be sent to the Prime Minister," State Minister for Labour and Employment Begum Monnujan Sufian told a meeting with workers at Shramo Bhaban in Bijoy Nagar area on Thursday.
She also mentioned the government plan on introducing a rationing system for the workers which will also be sent to the PM for her consideration.
Responding to a question about the employers' proposal of Tk 10,399 as the minimum monthly wage, the state minister termed it 'unjustified'.
However, at a wage board meeting held on Wednesday, the owners of readymade garment (RMG) industries agreed to raise it beyond Tk 10,399.
The state minister urged the workers to go back to their respective workplaces.
Speaking at the function, former shipping minister Shajahan Khan said there is ongoing debate about the workers' salary hike, with workers demanding Tk 20,399 and owners proposing Tk 10,399.
He emphasised the need for a balanced approach, where both parties would be benefited.
Mr Khan pledged to propose a wage structure that ensures the survival of both workers and the industry, aligning with the reality of the situation.
The government will strive to find a mutually acceptable solution, he added.
The meeting was attended by senior officials from the ministry of labour and employment and leaders from four labour unions.
Meanwhile, the workers' agitation continued at different industrial zones, including Mirpur, on Thursday.
Around 150 more apparel units were forced to cease their operations on the day in Mirpur, Gazipur, Ashulia and Savar areas following the labour unrest.
On Thursday morning, garment workers in Mirpur area took to the street demanding the wage hike. Around 8 am, the workers from Mirpur section-10 moved towards Mirpur sections 11 and 12.
Plice dispersed the workers using sound grenades and tear shells.
Witnesses reported a clash between the workers and police at Mirpur section-12. Subsequently, the workers returned to Mirpur section-10 again, according to them.
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