Bangladesh trade unions rue Tk10,000 minimum wage for textile workers

However, it is lower than Tk12,500, the minimum wage set three months ago for readymade garment (RMG) industry workers.

The notification, signed by chairman of the Minimum Wage Board Liaquat Ali Molla, said the minimum wage for grade 10 workers in the textile sector varies based on location: Tk10,700 in divisional cities, Tk10,350 in district cities, and Tk10,000 in sub-districts and other areas.

For the highest grade 1, the minimum wage will be Tk15,273 in divisional cities, Tk14,789 in district cities and Tk14,304 in sub-districts and other areas, domestic media outlets reported.

Trade unions have criticised the Tk10,000 minimum wage as insufficient and unacceptable, considering current inflation and market prices. Textile workers had initially demanded Tk25,600.

The IndustriALL Global Union termed the new wage hike ‘too little’, considering the country’s inflation rate.

"Bangladesh's wage board needs to take into consideration the rising cost of living while fixing the minimum wage. IndustriALL calls on the government to engage with trade unions and seriously consider their demands," IndustriALL general secretary Atle Hoie said in a press release.

The Bangladesh Textile Mills Association has 1,780 registered factories in spinning, weaving, dyeing, printing and finishing. The total number of workers in these factories is about 5 lakh. If non-member factories are included, the number of workers will be more than 8 lakh.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)