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Bangladesh finally has increased the minimum monthly wages of workers in the textile and readymade garment sectors at TK. 3,000 [US$ 43]. The decision came following months of violent protests over pay and conditions of the workers.
Earlier, the minimum wages was TK. 1,662 [US$ 22]. The newly fixed wages includes medical and housing allowances.
On June 22 2010, hundreds of thousands of readymade garment workers closed the key Ashulia Export Processing Zone, which produces for international brands such as Wal-Mart, H&M, Mars & Spencer etc, which was a major blow for the industry, as it is aiming to snatch contracts from Chinese competitors.
But, a section of leaders of the textile worker's unions have already rejected the minimum wages saying, it was not sufficient for a 'decent standard living' They said, protests will continue against this newly announced minimum wages.
It may be mentioned here that, while Bangladesh is aiming to snatch big orders from various international buyers, most of whom were earlier depending on Chinese manufacturers; Bangladeshi government has placed a veteran pro-Chinese communist in the Industries Ministry. Dilip Barua, minister in charge of the ministry is a veteran leader of Bangladesh Communist Party. Most of the labor unions in the country are also directly or indirectly affiliated with this leftist block.
On condition of anonymity, officials at Ministry of Industries as well owners of textile and readymade garment factories in Bangladesh opined that, Dilip Barua will do everything in ensuring that, Bangladesh will not be able to snatch orders from China.
"Beijing helped him for decades, so why shall he make his 'ling time friends' unhappy", said an official.
Moshrefa Mishu, a known leader of garment sector and head of Garment Workers Unity Forum, which receives regular funding from various unknown sources, as well the left wing political parties, demanded minimum wages to be set at US$ 71. Owners of garment factories are seeing such demand of Moshrefa Mishu as 'ridiculous' and 'impractical'.
It is even learnt that, due to constant persuasion of the leftist political parties and various leaders of the textile worker's unions, Dilip Barua is reportedly trying to set the minimum wages above TK. 3,000.
29 July, 2010 by admin