All factories expect one or two will be able to pay salary within the deadline, BKMEA executive president says
Bangladesh became home to the highest number of green garment factories in the world with 183 USGBC LEED-certified factories. Photo: Mumit M
The government has directed the ready-made garment (RMG) factory owners to pay workers wages for March by 10 April and festival allowance before the Eid holidays.
“Factory owners should pay workers March salary and dues as per the labour law within the first 7 working days,” State Minister for Labour and Employment Mannujan Sufian said at a tripartite meeting with government officials, factory owners, and trade union leaders on Wednesday.
She also asked the factory and industrial owners to allow workers to enjoy government-declared holidays.
The State Minister also advised the factory owners to consult with workers about the payment of wages for the first 15 days of April.
She sought the cooperation of all employers and workers so that everyone can celebrate Eid with joy.
After the meeting at Shrama Bhaban, Mohammed Hatem, of the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA), told The Business Standard, “All factories except one or two will be able to pay the salary and bonus within the deadline set by the government.”
However, the Industrial Police sources said they made a list of 150 factories that may face financial problems to pay their workers.
Then, Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) and BKMEA jointly called 72 factory owners from that list and consulted with them on how to solve their problems.
“Separate teams of BGMEA and BKMEA have been working to solve the problems that a few factories face,” the BKMEA chief added.
Hopefully, everyone will be able to pay workers before Eid vacations, he said, adding that this year factories may give a week-long vacation as every factory has low work pressure this time.
During this meeting, Amirul Haque Amin, president of the National Garment Workers Federation (NGWF), raises his voice to pay workers festival bonuses by 17 April.
Among others, Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association Vice President Md Nasir Uddin was also present at the meeting.
