DHAKA - Amidst ongoing wage negotiations in Bangladesh's garment industry, the Sommilito Garments Sramik Federation, linked to IndustriAll, has proposed a new wage structure for workers. Today, the federation suggested setting the monthly minimum wage at Taka 23,000 and maintaining a Taka 2,000 grade difference while preserving grades one and two but abolishing grades five and six. This move comes after a period of unrest following the government's draft proposal of a Taka 12,500 monthly minimum wage.
The initial draft by the minimum wage board, released on November 11, 2023, has been met with criticism from various trade union federations and garment exporters. While unions are pushing for an increase in the minimum wage to between Taka 23,000 and Taka 25,000, exporters have suggested a decrease to Taka 10,400. The board's proposal has drawn over two hundred objections since its publication.
On Sunday, November 12, Garments Sramik Andolan called for a raise to Taka 25,000 and a reorganization of wage grades for fairness among workers. The following day, the Sommilito Garments Sramik Federation entered the discussion demanding higher wages at Taka 23,000 with specified basic pay ratios.
In response to these demands, Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) and Bangladesh Legal Aid and Services Trust (BLAST) advocated on Tuesday, November 21, for adherence to international labor standards in the wage review process.
The debate over wages intensified after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's verbal approval led to Minister Monnujan Sufian announcing the Taka 12,500 minimum wage. Protests erupted on October 23 and continued for weeks with several arrests as workers demanded better compensation.
The Industrial Bangladesh Council also criticized the draft proposal for not adequately considering living costs and called for structured wages with substantial basic pay plus annual increments.
The minimum wage board is set to discuss all feedback at their meeting on November 26 before submitting a final proposal to the labor ministry. The outcome will be closely watched by stakeholders within the country's pivotal garment sector, which is a cornerstone of Bangladesh's economy and a major source of employment.
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