Minimum wage for RMG workers

The RMG sector is known as the key foreign exchange earner for the country; it is only logical to assume therefore that the owners of the garment factories also have had their share of profits. If other industry workers can be provided with the minimum national wage it is not understandable why owners of the RMG factories are not able to provide a minimum national wage for their workers. It is now common knowledge that these poor workers had been neglected for over a decade since the industry took off with a high momentum.

The real reason that is blocking the implementation of the Wage Board recommendations is evidently refusal of the BGMEA or its apparent inability to pay its workers basic salaries beyond Tk.1300 inclusive of house rent and medical allowance. As reported in the media, BGMEA is dragging its foot after all that has happened by way of the workers movement and the attendant casualties.

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The RMG sector is not only the window of excellence in our export industry it is also an image builder for our working community with most of them being women. Workers have made their sacrifices, it is now time for others to follow. There is simply no denying the fact that their demand in the present day context of living costs is more than justified.