Dhaka: Labour experts and the Tannery Workers' Union (TWU) have raised alarms that Bangladesh's tannery industry is on the brink of a significant crisis due to the delay in implementing the revised minimum wage, which was announced by the government over a year ago. Workers are reportedly growing increasingly frustrated with the tannery owners' inaction.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, a press conference held in the city featured several key figures voicing their concerns. Syed Sultan Uddin Ahmed, Chairman of the Labor Reforms Commission and Executive Director of the Bangladesh Institute of Labor Studies (BILS), highlighted the precarious situation within the tannery industry. He expressed worry over the prolonged temporary employment statuses of workers, the delay in implementing the declared minimum wage of Tk 18,001, and the uncertainty brought about by ongoing reviews. These issues, he argued, are eroding trust among stakeholders.
The crisis is expected to have far-reaching implications, potentially impacting both the tannery sector and the national economy. Abul Kalam Azad, President of the Tannery Workers' Union, delivered a prepared statement during the press conference. He was joined by Advocate AKM Nasim, Solidarity Center Bangladesh Country Program Director and Labor Reform Commission member, along with TWU General Secretary Abdul Malek.
Advocate AKM Nasim, who previously served as the president of the Labour Court Bar Association, expressed concern over the employers' reluctance to implement the revised wages, despite the publication of the gazette. TWU leaders pointed out that although the ministry announced the revised minimum wage on November 21 of the previous year, no significant steps have been taken to enforce it.
Labour experts emphasized that both the state and employers share the responsibility of ensuring a decent working environment to stabilize the industry. The delay in addressing these concerns is seen as a major hurdle in achieving such stability.