Labour leaders warned against RMG unrest

Labour Minister Raziuddin Ahmed Raju has blamed leaders of labour organisations for the unrest by workers in the readymade garment factories.

Staff Correspondentbdnews24.com
Published : 20 Nov 2013, 06:25 PM
Updated : 20 Nov 2013, 06:25 PM

The minister directed workers to maintain peace in the industry, saying otherwise, those workers and leaders involved in the protests will have to face tough action.

He was speaking at a meeting at the Ministry of Labour and Employment with garment owners, representatives from 40 labour organisations and members of relevant law-enforcing agencies on Wednesday.

“I doubt that there are genuine workers behind the individuals who are here as labour representatives,” said Raju.
“There would not have been protests if the workers considered these people as their leaders.”
He claimed the collapse of Rana Plaza, which killed over 1100 garment factory workers in April this year, had worked in favour of workers and their representatives.
“The wages are higher just in three years. But workers are losing jobs because of protests by some labour organisations.”
The minister said the new wages were better and claimed there were factories in Mirpur, Rampura and Mohammadpur that could not afford to pay these salaries.
“The industry will fall apart if the unrest continues, so please be calm,” he added.
“Causing chaos in the readymade garment industry will not be tolerated. The government will take a tough stance to restore stability in the sector.”
Vandalism and protests are continuing in industrial zones over the wage set for readymade garment workers.
Agitation by workers in Ashulia forced the closure of 20 garment factories in the industrial belt on Wednesday.
Two workers allegedly died during clashes with police in Gazipur on Monday.
Israfil Alam, Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Labour and Employment, was present at the meeting.
He said, “What the wage board announced might be low considering market value. But the rate of increase is very high.”
He added the government, which must see to interests of both the workers and owners, did not have an option to do more.
“We can talk about the things that need to be addressed. Not through protests,” said Israfil as he urged labour leaders to make sure workers go back to work.
“Everyone has agreed to Tk 5,300 as wage. There are issues with the main salary which I think will be readily solved,” said Labour Secretary Mikhail Sipar.
“This has not caused a lot of loss to the workers. If the main salary is 3,200, a worker who used to get Tk 3,000 will get only Tk 100 less.
“We have requested that they make this concession for the country’s greater good. Their leaders have accepted it.”
Both garment owners and labour representatives refused comments after the meeting.
Minister Raju had said on Nov 14 that the Tk 5,300 minimum monthly wage would be effective from December.
The workers will get the wage in January. They will also get overtime pay.