Dhaka:Leaders from various labor organizations have expressed support for the government's decision to establish a Minimum Wage Board aimed at setting new wages for garment workers, viewing it as a constructive measure for safeguarding workers' rights.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the labor leaders have particularly favored the proposal to create a wage board every three years instead of the previous five-year interval. This change is seen as crucial for aligning wages with inflation and the increasing cost of living.
Nazma Akter, President of Sammilito Garments Sramik Federation, praised the timely formation of the wage board and thanked the government for the initiative. She also called for action against those responsible for violence and sabotage at industrial sites, asserting that such acts are not representative of genuine workers' movements.
Taslima Akhter, President of Bangladesh Garment Sramik Sanghati, highlighted the importance of the three-year wage board provision for maintaining workers' purchasing power. She emphasized the necessity of peaceful dialogue to prevent unrest and safeguard factories.
Kutubuddin Ahmed, President of Bangladesh Garments, Textile and Leather Workers Federation, stated that his organization has proposed a minimum monthly wage of US$260, expressing optimism for reaching a consensus through discussions among workers' groups, factory owners, and the government.
Salauddin Swapan, General Secretary of Industrial Bangladesh Council (IBC), also supported the initiative, calling for regular meetings to finalize wages without delays. He advocated for expanding trade union activities in factories and addressing issues like worker blacklisting.
The labor leaders agreed that the wage board presents an institutional platform to address workers' demands, urging all parties to engage in peaceful programs and dialogue instead of confrontation. They stressed the importance of protecting industrial establishments to ensure workers' livelihoods and the national economy.