Garment Workers' Leaders Demand New Wage Board Reconstitution by Sept 30

Labour leaders in Bangladesh have formally called for the reconstitution and implementation of a new minimum wage board for garment workers. The announcement was made during a press conference held on 19 September at the Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) in the capital city.

The event was organised by the Industrial Bangladesh Council (IBC) and the Bangladesh Council of IndustriALL Global Union. During the briefing, Salauddin Swapan, the general secretary of the IBC, read out the official written statement outlining the demands and concerns of the labour representatives.

According to the organisations, the IBC has specifically demanded that the minimum wage board be completely reconstituted by the upcoming deadline of 30 September. Several prominent labour leaders were present at the press conference, including Mir Abul Kalam Azad, Amirul Haque Amin, China Rahman, and Kutub Uddin.

Highlighting the historical context of garment sector remuneration, the leaders noted the progression of minimum wages over the past two decades. In 2006, the minimum wage for garment workers stood at 1,662 taka and 50 paisa, which subsequently increased to 3,000 taka in 2010, and further rose to 5,300 taka in 2013.

The wage figures continued to climb in later years, reaching 8,000 taka in 2018 and advancing to 12,500 taka by 2023. However, labour leaders argued that current economic realities necessitate another urgent review and adjustment of the existing wage structure.

Emphasising the necessity for an updated wage determination, Salauddin Swapan stated in his quote during the briefing: "Government employees' lowest grade salary under the new pay structure has been increased from 20,010 taka to 48,400 taka. Along with this change, market prices are also rising. In such a situation, it is urgent to re-fix the current minimum wage for garment workers."