Garment Workers New Wage Structure for Bangladesh Workers Expected in January
Bangladesh’s minimum wage board plans to finalize a new pay structure for garment workers by December, with revised salaries expected to take effect in January, representatives of workers and factory owners said Wednesday.
The announcement came after the board held its first meeting on November 4. Both sides have agreed in principle to introduce the revised wage structure from January, according to worker representative Babul Akhter.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Akhter said the next round of discussions would take place next week, when representatives from both sides are expected to submit their respective demands and proposals in writing.
He also urged garment workers to return to their workplaces to keep production running, adding that the government was working to determine the new minimum wage.
Board Chairman Syed Azad Subhani said the process would not face the delays seen in previous wage reviews. He assured that the board would make its recommendations as quickly as possible.
A representative of the factory owners also expressed confidence that the process of implementing the revised pay structure would be completed within December.
The government formed a six-member minimum wage board on November 1 amid protests by garment workers demanding better pay and improved wages.
The board is tasked with reviewing and recommending a new minimum wage structure for workers in the country’s ready-made garment (RMG) sector.
