Tannery workers strike over delayed minimum wage implementation

Six months after the announcement of a new minimum wage, tannery workers went on a strike in protest of its non-implementation.

Beginning today (12 May), workers at factories in the Savar Tannery Estate, on the outskirts of Dhaka, began a two-hour work stoppage each day. The strike is set to continue until 15 May, with workers warning of an indefinite strike if their demands are not met.

"The strike will escalate if the new wage is not implemented by 15 May," said Abdul Maleque, general secretary of the Tannery Workers Union, at a rally organised in the estate.

Echoing the sentiment, Union President Abul Kalam Azad said, "Despite the wage board's announcement six months ago, factory owners have failed to act. We've been left with no choice but to protest."

The Ministry of Labour and Employment had approved the new minimum wage of Tk18,001 in November 2023. However, the workers claim most factory owners are yet to implement it.

The Savar Tannery Estate houses 155 allocated companies, though only around 55 are currently operating, according to workers.

Ministry Secretary AHM Shafiquzzaman told TBS, "The Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments (DIFE) has been directed to take necessary steps to ensure compliance."

However, ministry officials admit their only recourse against non-compliant factory owners is through legal action.

Shaheen Ahmed, chairman of the Bangladesh Tanners Association, said, "We have agreed in principle to implement the new wage structure. Discussions with worker representatives are planned, and once we begin, wages will be paid retroactively from January."

Despite this, union leaders allege that around 65% of tannery workers are employed on a temporary basis — a practice they claim is used to deny workers their rightful benefits under the new wage structure.