RMG industry in throes as labour unrests hits DEPZ

06 Jun '06

2 min read

Widespread unrest among readymade garment workers throughout Bangladesh and more recent incident that took place at the Dhaka Export Processing Zone (DEPZ) has caught both, the industry and Government unawares.

Sources report that the storm over wages disparity and fixaion of minimum wages was the bone of contention among the apparel workers which led the Government to appoint two members for the Minimum Wages Board for the RMG sector.

In the meantime DEPZ witnessed the worst of voilence as rampaging workers forced closure of units in support of their eight-point demand during which several workers and unit officials were injured.

RMG industry is vital for the growth of Bangladesh's economy and it aspire to become one of the leading exporter of garments earning over $6.0 billion a year churned out by more than 4,000 factories, providing livelihood for nearly two million workers.

Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers & Exporters Association (BGMEA) & bangladesh Export Processing Zones Association (BEPZA) authorities suspect international conspiracy to cause debilitating effects on the industry.

Earlier, at the behest of the Ministry of Labour and Employment, a a tripartite meeting was held on May 24 2006 wherein the RMG unit owners had agreed to fulfill the demands of the workers.

Hafiz Uddin Ahmed, Commerce Minister speaking to the media stated that the ministry was watching the developments in the RMG sector and would take all steps to stop the unrest.

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