Editorial
Things looking up for RMG sector
But not for the labourers
A study of our RMG sector conducted by a local think tank has revealed that investors in the RMG sector through modernisation of their investments have more than doubled its earnings in the past seven years. However, in spite of the increase, it is disconcerting to note that many owners are not paying their labourers regularly and all sorts of extraneous arguments are being put forward for non-payment of their salaries. We agree with the directive of the government that the labourers be paid their dues by the end of the day today, and we would hope that it will have been complied with by the time this editorial is being read.
As much as we are concerned about the present turmoil in our RMG sector, we do believe that there is no reason for despair given a level of sincerity, honesty and commitment on the part of all concerned. We should, however, remember that time is of essence here. If RMG workers are not happy, the future of the sector will be in doubt. Let a beginning be made through salaries and bonus being paid to garment workers before Eid-ul-Fitr
What the study has also revealed is that the sector has not been able to bring about any substantial improvement and modernisation of its work force worth noticing. It was observed that many factories in Dhaka and Chittagong have neither canteen facilities nor daycare facilities for the children of their female workers in particular. Many of the factories do not have common room facilities for the workers. On the other hand, a mere 40 to 50 per cent of the workers of comparatively larger factories are issued with formal employment letters while nearly 70 per cent of workers in the entire RMG sector do not have any employment letter.
In the meantime, the president of BGMEA has said that conditions stand much improved in the year 2007. True as it may be, there can be no denying the fact that a widespread undercurrent of discontent does exist amongst the workers, an expression of which we encounter from time to time. Clearly, there have been no concerted efforts by all concerned, particularly the owners of the industry, in addressing an issue that is central to the current turmoil in our RMG sector. To narrow down the actual issues at stake, salary cum benefit package and improvement of the working environment inside factory premises are a necessity and should be met both as legal and moral responsibility of the owners.
However, while we support the right of the workers for their due legal wages, we most vehemently oppose any tendency toward violence and destruction of factory properties by the workers.
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