Editorial
RMG labour unrest must be contained
Buyers wary of placing orders
THE widespread labour unrest being witnessed in industrial areas of Dhaka district could very well threaten the interest of the readymade (RMG) sector. As per media reports foreign buyers are already having second thoughts about placing new orders unless the explosive situation settles down. The outburst of workers cannot be a formula for shutting down industry for days on end. It is essential that the wage board formed and which is due to give its decision on a revised pay scale for the RMG sector be allowed to complete its work by November.
That there is need for an upward readjustment of minimum wage is not contested by any party. To what extent or within what timeframe these adjustments will be implemented is a matter of tripartite negotiation among workers' representatives, factory owners and the government. The vandalism and destruction of property are hardly a conducive way to settle differences – that may only be reached through bargaining across the negotiating table.
Sadly, that is not happening. Contentious issues such as the institutionalisation of collective bargaining agency on factory floors or what is considered to be "fair" wage for a day's work are all sensitive issues and views vary widely on them. At the end of the day, RMG brings in the highest foreign exchange earnings for the country and is the single largest sector to employ an estimated 4million people directly. Any disruption in this sector will cost the country and those involved in it dearly.
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