Bangladesh’s government has formed a six-member wage board to review pay for garment workers as protests over low wages continue. Thousands of workers demonstrated in and around Dhaka after the announcement, with clashes reported between protesters and police, who used tear gas and water cannons. A police vehicle was set on fire in the Mirpur neighborhood.
Workers are seeking a minimum monthly wage of 30,000 Bangladeshi taka, compared with the current 12,500 taka. They say rising costs for food, transport, housing and healthcare have made it increasingly difficult to live on their earnings. Gas and power shortages have also contributed to production stoppages, leaving overtime pay less reliable and costing some workers their jobs.
The board consists of two representatives each for workers and employers, a government representative and a neutral member. Labor Minister Ariful Haque Choudhury said it was established after discussions with worker representatives and industry leaders. He urged workers to return to work, warning that continued disruption could delay export shipments and payments from international buyers.
The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association said protests in several cities had disrupted 529 factories, affecting nearly one million workers. The group’s president, Mahmud Hasan Khan, told Reuters that the industry could resort to a “no work, no pay” policy if the protests continue.
Authorities said at least 58 police officers had been injured since Saturday and 57 people arrested. Nazma Akter, head of the Awaj Foundation, a workers’ rights group, condemned vandalism and burning, saying union leaders did not support those actions. She also urged brands to help make higher wages possible by offering suppliers fairer prices.
Labor advocates have argued that brands’ purchasing practices can squeeze supplier margins and limit their ability to pay workers more. The American Apparel & Footwear Association described the wage board as an opportunity to establish a fair minimum wage through a transparent process that includes labor groups and trade unions. The association also called for workers to be able to participate safely and freely.
Bangladesh’s home minister, Salahuddin Ahmed, said on Monday that the government would act against unlawful conduct. He also said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman had instructed officials to protect workers’ rights and improve living standards while keeping production and exports running.
Sources: WWD.