RMG workers
We feel embarrassed when we read the news that our garment workers block the streets demanding fulfilment of their basic rights. About 7% of our total exportable income comes from the garments sector and this sector also generates about 20% employment. Despite all this, no long-term policy has been formulated yet for the betterment of the workers and this industry by the entrepreneurs or the government. Should we draw a comparison with other sectors, it will be clear that this sector is not well established, well organised, well salaried (at the workers level), well bonded (between workers & owners) and is based on labour exploitation. In our practical observations, we got the following in many garment units: The workers are dissatisfied with their salary. The workers are dissatisfied with their immediate bosses like floor in-charge, production manager. The workers are not getting the monthly wages in time. Moreover, they are also not getting overtime regularly. They are not getting sick leave & any allowance. They are not getting medical facilities in case of major illness. Women RMG workers are not getting maternity leave. There is no job security of a worker and they lose their jobs without any prior notice from the owner in violation of the ILO rules. Labour union rights are not recognised. Many of the garment factory owners say that presently they are getting low CM basis orders, so it would not be possible to meet all the demands of the workers. All of us should know that it is not possible to stay in competition keeping labour unrest alive. Already, India and China are making the most out of the situation. I think the owners should have a positive view on the labour issue.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel.
Comments