Garment workers continue protest, call for review of govt-set wage

Garment workers on Friday continued their protest, calling for a review of the government-set minimum wage of Tk12,500.

Additionally, they demanded justice for the slain workers Anjuara, Russel, and Imran, who were killed during the workers' movement, along with the withdrawal of all cases against garment workers.

Several organisations, including Garment Sramik Andolon, Bangladesh Garment Sramik Songhoti, Garment Sramik Karmachari Oikya Parishad, Garment Sramik Front, Bangladesh OSK, and Textile Sramik Federation, organised separate protest rallies and marches in front of the National Press Club Friday morning.

In addition to demanding a minimum wage of Tk25,000, the workers' organisations urged the annulment of Article 13/1 of the Labour Act, the elimination of grades 5 and 6, and the establishment of a wage structure by abolishing apprentice positions.

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They also called for an end to the use of force to suppress the workers' movement, ensuring compensation for deceased workers, withdrawal of false cases against workers, and the release of those who were arrested.

"We have rejected the government-set minimum wage of Tk12,500 on behalf of 40 lakh garment workers. Workers are struggling to survive due to rising commodity prices. We demand that the government review the workers' wages," said Taslima Akhtar, president of Bangladesh Garment Workers' Songhoti.

Speakers at the Garment Sramik Karmachari Oikya Parishad rally accused apparel owners of exploiting opportunities to suppress the workers' movement for fair wages, disguising it as political unrest.

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They expressed disappointment that the prime minister seemed to fall into the trap of the owners' conspiracy, echoing their blame of workers.

Condemning violent actions such as firing on workers, they decried the law enforcement personnel's behaviour, likening it to engaging in warfare with the workers.

They announced a protest rally in front of the National Press Club on 14 November morning with the same demands.