Savar:Workers at various industrial units in the Savar-Ashulia industrial belt have begun returning to work following the overnight establishment of the Minimum Wage Board, witnesses and officials reported today. The decision by the government to form the wage board has renewed hope among workers for resolving their demands for increased wages and additional benefits.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the development took place a day after the government set up a six-member minimum wage board for the readymade garment (RMG) sector after consultations with labor leaders and representatives of garment manufacturers. Labor leaders have encouraged workers to return to their respective factories and pursue their legitimate wage demands through the newly established board.
Workers were reportedly seen entering several factories peacefully and resuming their duties in the industrial belt. Babul Akhter, a workers' representative on the wage board, addressed a press conference at Sram Bhaban in Bijoynagar, urging garment workers to resume work and assuring them that their representatives would continue advocating for a fair wage structure.
Akhter expressed optimism that the board would ensure increased wages for workers starting January next year, emphasizing that there should be no unnecessary delays in implementing the revised wage structure. He mentioned that workers' representatives would consult various labor federations, factory-based trade unions, and ordinary workers before developing a collective stance on the proposed wages.
Leaders from different labor organizations have welcomed the government's initiative to form the wage board, describing it as a positive step towards protecting workers' interests. Bangladesh Garments, Textile and Leather Workers Federation president Kutubuddin Ahmed highlighted the proposal for a minimum monthly wage of US$260 and expressed hope for reaching a consensus through discussions among workers, factory owners, and the government.
The six-member wage board, announced by Labour and Employment Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury, is led by Senior District and Sessions Judge Sheikh Ashfaqur Rahman. It includes BGMEA director ABM Shamsuddin, workers' representatives Babul Akhter and Asif Ayub, and independent members Mosleh Uddin Ahmed and Anwar Hossain. The board will recommend minimum wages for workers at different grades in the garment sector, with the government set to determine the new wage structure based on its recommendations.