Ensure just wages for RMG workers

The Ready Made Garment (RMG) industry is one of the largest and pivotal sectors in Bangladesh, providing employment to millions of workers and contributing significantly to the country's economy. However, despite its economic benefits, the industry has faced criticism for the low wages and poor working conditions of its workers. It is time for the government and industry leaders to take action and ensure fair prices for RMG workers in Bangladesh.

The current minimum wage for garment workers in Bangladesh is BDT 8,000 (approximately $95 USD) per month, which is one of the lowest wages in the world. This is unacceptable, especially when considering the cost of living in Bangladesh. Workers are forced to work long hours, with minimal breaks, and in hazardous conditions. Many workers are unable to provide for themselves and their families, leading to a cycle of poverty and exploitation.

Several garments workers’ platforms demanded Tk 20,000 as national minimum wage and Tk 24,000 as lowest monthly wage for the garment workers following high cost of living due to price hike of essentials. If the hike will be implemented, the workers’ wages would go from the current Tk 8,000 to Tk 22,000.

In recent years, there have been several movements and protests by workers, demanding better wages and working conditions. While some progress has been made, more needs to be done. The government and industry leaders need to take action to ensure that workers are paid a fair wage that reflects the cost of living in Bangladesh.

To achieve fair prices for workers, the government and industry leaders need to work together to set a living wage that covers the basic needs of workers and their families. This should include food, housing, healthcare, and education. The living wage should be regularly reviewed and adjusted to reflect changes in the cost of living and inflation.

In addition to setting a living wage, the government and industry leaders need to ensure that workers are not subject to exploitative working conditions, including excessive working hours, forced labour, and unsafe working conditions. There should be effective mechanisms in place to ensure that workers are protected and that their rights are respected.

It is also important for international brands and retailers to take responsibility for their supply chains and ensure that their suppliers in Bangladesh are paying workers a fair wage. International buyers and brands should pay a fair price for the goods they purchase and support the efforts of the Bangladeshi government and industry leaders to improve working conditions and wages for workers.

Ensuring fair prices for RMG workers in Bangladesh is not only a moral obligation but also an economic necessity. The RMG industry is a key driver of the Bangladeshi economy, and its success depends on the well-being of its workers. It is time for the government and industry leaders to take action and ensure that workers are paid a fair wage that reflects the cost of living in Bangladesh. This will not only improve the lives of millions of workers but also contribute to the long-term sustainability of the RMG industry.

It is all well and good that the workers are getting more money for their labour and competence. However, to sustain the salary hike or increase it, owners need to get better value for their products. Increased price for their products will automatically result in better payment for the workers. More money for owners will translate to more money for the workers.

Ensuring that the owners of RMG factories get a fair price for their products from foreign buyers is essential for the growth and sustainability of the RMG industry in Bangladesh. By establishing fair and transparent pricing mechanisms, investing in quality control, building long-term relationships, forming alliances, and receiving government support, the owners can increase their bargaining power and secure fair prices for their products in the global market.