BGMEA urges factories to pay wages timely to prevent labour unrest

The apparel apex body, BGMEA, has warned some of its member factories that are vulnerable to labour unrest to pay wages on time to prevent any untoward incidents in this current situation.
Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) made the call at a meeting held at the BGMEA Complex in Uttara on Tuesday with some 47 garment factories that are vulnerable to labour protests.
The Industrial Police has prepared a list of more than 60 such factories that either didn't make timely wage payments and paid late or they are suspected to be unable to pay the wages next month or have had such incidents during the last several months, sources said.
Talking to the FE on Wednesday, BGMEA Senior Vice President Abdullah Hil Rakib said Industrial Police regularly prepare such reports, especially on the eve of Eid.
"So, we had a meeting with those factories to know their present situation and problems, and provide necessary support they might need," he said.
Chaired by BGMEA President Khandoker Rafiqul Islam, the view exchange meeting was attended by representatives from the BGMEA, Bangladesh Army, Industrial Police, Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments, DCs of Dhaka and Gazipur districts, DGFI, NSI, Community Policing on RMG and the vulnerable factories.
The meeting was convened at a time when the sector leaders along with buyers are repeatedly urging the authorities concerned to maintain the law-and-order situation for early return of a congenial business atmosphere.
Also, there are several incidents of labour protests over payment of wages and other dues in the industrial belts.
One of the top executives of top buyers at a meeting with the finance and commerce advisor on Tuesday expressed concern over the safety and security, apprising the adviser that police are yet to back fully in business while the industrial police are still missing.
He suggested deploying the industrial police in place without delay.
The meeting addressed the overall labour situation within the garment industry, expressing concern over recent labour unrests and subsequent road blockades by workers, which led to severe traffic congestion and public inconvenience, Mr Rakib noted.
He said they requested the units to ensure timely payment of wages and allowances, and hold regular meetings with workers to foster harmonious industrial relations, and to collaborate with industrial police to address and resolve disputes, if any.
If any factory has any issue and it is unlikely to pay timely, the trade body suggested informing BGMEA earlier and also the workers and discussing with them, he noted.
The meeting also agreed that any issues or conflicts between owners and workers regarding wages or other matters should be resolved through discussion among all concerned parties.

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