May Day: Workers demand Tk30,000 as minimum wage, legal protection

This year's May Day is being observed under the theme "Shromik-Malik Ek Hoye, Gorbo E Desh Notun Kore" (Workers and owners unite; let's rebuild this country anew), with labour rights groups across the country calling for a national minimum wage declaration and setting the minimum wage at Tk30,000.

Several labour organisations held separate events, including human chains and rallies, in front of the National Press Club to mark the occasion today (1 May).  

The Sramik Karmachari Oikya Parishad (SKOP) announced a nine-point demand, which includes the declaration of a national minimum wage of Tk30,000.  

The Green Bangla Garments Workers Federation (GBGWF) also raised similar demands, calling for the right to form trade unions and better labour protections.  

Speaking at a rally, GBGWF President Sultana Begum said, "A national minimum wage must be declared. Like the public sector, maternity leave in the private sector should be set at six months." 

"Private sector workers should also get 11 days of holiday and three festival bonuses during the two Eids. The recommendations of the Labour Reform Commission must be implemented," she added.

Following a short rally, Razequzzaman Rotonn, president of the Central Labour Front, told The Business Standard, "There are about eight crore working people in the country. Of them, nearly seven crore workers are not protected by labour laws. They work in the informal sector. Without the development of workers, sustainable national development is not possible."  

"We are demanding that the government form a permanent labour commission to ensure legal protection and fair wages for workers. We want an eight-hour workday and a wage that allows workers to meet both life and livelihood needs through those eight hours," he added.

The Bangladesh Noujan Sramik Federation also joined the call for setting the minimum wage at Tk30,000.