Automation in Bangladesh’s readymade garment (RMG) sector has led to a 30.58-per cent reduction in workforce across production processes, with helpers being the most hit, a recent study revealed.
Despite its positive impacts on economic growth and overall productivity, automation has posed significant challenges to RMG workers, particularly affecting women, older workers, those with lower literacy, unskilled labourers and workers with low confidence levels, the study by Solidaridad Bangladesh, Labour Foundation and BRAC University found.
Sweater factories witnessed the highest percentage of workers losing jobs, with a 37.03 per cent reduction per production line. Woven factories followed, with a 27.23-per cent decline.
Automation in cutting led to a 48.34-per cent drop in workforce, while the sewing sub-sector recorded a 26.57-per cent drop, domestic media outlets reported.
The reduced need for workers due to automation raises critical concerns about the concept of ‘just transition’, the study added.
