The government will form a new wage board for garment workers by Sunday, Labour Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury said after a meeting with garment labour leaders at his residence on Friday.
Speaking to reporters, the minister urged workers to remain patient as discussions over their wage demands were ongoing.
The announcement came amid fresh unrest in the garment sector following incidents of factory vandalism on Thursday.
The minister, however, blamed outsiders rather than garment workers for the vandalism, referring to videos circulating on social media that allegedly showed external elements instigating the violence.
He expressed confidence that workers would recognise the government’s sincerity once the wage board was formed.
The meeting was attended by 21 labour representatives.
Babul Akter, general secretary of the Bangladesh Garment and Industrial Workers Federation, said he had urged the minister to ensure the formation of the wage board by Sunday and initiate its activities without delay.
He also proposed that the new wage structure take effect in December, allowing workers to receive revised salaries with their January pay.
Akter urged workers to return to factories, saying discussions with the government were continuing and calling on them to maintain peace and discipline.
“For the sake of the country, the industry and your jobs, please return to work,” he said, adding that there was no movement at present and negotiations were ongoing.
Source: https://thefinancialexpress.com.bd/trade/new-wage-board-for-rmg-workers-by-sunday-says-labour-minister
