Finally, an MOU

The most positive aspect of the understanding is the time-bound plan for the implementation of the accord. The wage board formed on May 31 will declare a minimum wage for workers by August-end. The other terms of the MOU will have been implemented by 30 June. These are features, which we would like to think display the urgency of the parties concerned in resolving the problems that generated the crisis in our RMG industry.

However, one notices with a degree of dismay the negative signals that had issued from related quarters in the industry in which certain issues like minimum wages and trade union rights were made to appear as intractable problems that might prevent a quick resolution of the matter. Thank God, the hump has been crossed. We would suggest that from here on there should not be any foot dragging in the implementation process that might plunge the industry once again into trouble. We would like to think that with the signing of the agreement the stumbling blocks towards elimination of the workers' distress have been removed.

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Thus, just as we request the owners and the management in the garment industry not to dawdle in implementing the MOU, so do we request the workers to shun belligerence in ventilating their grievances. After all, everybody's interest is at stake and no one is any better off when garment factories are damaged and production hampered.

We suggest that all parties involved build upon the positive trend that we hope will ensue from the understanding, and work towards not only to further strengthen the RMG sector but work even harder to offset the damages that the weeks of unrest have imposed on it.

It will do us all well to remember that we face stiff competition in what is a buyer's market. The buyers might be forced to turn away from us should unrest continue to beset our RMG industry.

MOU, to our mind, is an understanding which is short of a full-fledged agreement. Our appeal to all sides will be to turn it into a binding accord.