Editorial
Why must RMG sector remain so troubled?
Address the causes effectively
Last two days have seen a spate of violence in the RMG factories in Chittagong and Dhaka. The losses incurred due to destruction and vandalism inside the factory has been immense. Not only were factories subjected to the wrath of the workers, the trouble also spilled on to the streets. What is quite disconcerting is that a RMG manufacturing company in CEPZ was forced to close down operations completely after some of its factories were damaged by the workers. This situation is absolutely unacceptable.
According to the latest reports, more than 100 persons were injured including 25 members of the law enforcing agencies in clashes between workers and police in Sunday's unrest in factories in Kuril Bishwa Road. The disgruntled workers also vandalised at least 50 vehicles and set fire to three private cars during the two-hour clash, halting vehicular movement on the Airport Road for nearly three and a half hours.
From what we have learned, the problem has stemmed from the issue of implementation of the new pay scale. And there are a few things regarding the new pay that need attention of the government as well as that of the owners. We are told that nearly 95 percent of the industry has implemented the new pay scale. Given that, the complaint of the workers that the new pay scale has in fact seen reduction in the total pay package for some section of the workers, as in the case of Youngone in CTG, and that the increase has been a merely of TK 500 in total, as in the case of Nasa Group workers, must be addressed dispassionately.
One wonders why the situation has come to such a pass. It is difficult to understand how one's pay can go down after agreement on an enhanced rate of pay and allowances? While there is no reason for the owners not to implement the new pay scale, it was important for them to explain to the workers what the total emolument would be and the rationale for it under the new arrangement. It should be remembered that the pay scale was agreed to by all the parties, and if there is any lacunae it should have been detected before finalising.
The recent violence brings into focus the question of management of the workers in the garment factories in general. In the case of Youngone it was, as we understand, a case of adjusting the interim monetary relief provided as a temporary measure before the new pay scale was announced. Apparently, there is little or no communication between the management and workers to clarify issues, particularly those dealing with the pay and welfare of the workers.
We have had enough of unrest in the RMG sector. For the industry to continue to suffer even after enhanced pay for the workers is unacceptable.
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