RMG workers’ 18 demands accepted

The government, factory owners and other relevant parties have accepted the agitating garment workers’ 18 demands, including payment of due wages, implementation of minimum wages in all factories, extension of maternity leave and implementation of provident fund schemes.

The workers’ demands were accepted in a meeting with participation of factory owners, labour union leaders, representatives of law enforcement agencies, Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, Industries Adviser

Adilur Rahman Khan, Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhtar and Labour and Employment Adviser Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain on Tuesday.

Later, the representatives of all parties signed a joint statement.

The government expects all factories to remain open from Wednesday as the 18 demands of the workers have been accepted. The advisers warned that strict legal action would be taken against anyone who tries to create disorder even after accepting the demands.

Labour Secretary AHM Safikuzzaman presented the 18 demands in detail to the journalists and said that the meeting was held with the participation of four advisers to resolve the recent unrest in the garment industry. Several ministry teams made visits at the field level. Later, several meetings were held with labour leaders and garment industry owners. A consensus was then established on the 18 demands of the workers.

The labour secretary said an additional Tk225 will be given as an existing attendance bonus to all garment factory workers. “Minimum wage announced by the government will be implemented in all factories by October,” he said.

For the time being, TCB will provide daily necessities at affordable prices in labour-intensive areas. Besides, the Food Friendly Programme of the Ministry of Food will also be extended to those areas, said the labour secretary adding that a proposal will be sent to the concerned government offices for a permanent ration system for the workers.

“All outstanding wages of workers must be paid without fail by 10 October. Otherwise, necessary action will be taken against those concerned as per labour laws,” he continued.

The labour secretary said a technical team of the ministry will review the harassment of workers by biometric blacklisting by the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) and report by October.

“Taking into consideration the interests of the workers, including the local political influence on garment wastage business, and stopping extortion, a central monitoring system will be adopted in this regard, a central monitoring system will be adopted in this regard,” he said.

All types of harassing measures and political cases against the workers, including those related to the wage movement of 2023, will be reviewed and settled through the Ministry of Law. Compensation measures will be taken for four workers killed in the wage agitation. Employment will be ensured according to merit without discrimination of men and women according to the type of work.

The labour leaders will prepare a complete list and submit it to the ministry for the compensation and medical care of the workers martyred and injured in the July uprising. The received list will be sent to the “July Shaheed Smriti Foundation” at the Chief Adviser’s Office for further necessary action.

The secretary said the Ministry of Labour and Employment has formed a committee for the purpose of readdressing the issues related to the victims of Rana Plaza and Tazreen Fashion accidents.

According to the labour law, it has been decided to set up daycare centres at all factories, the labour secretary said, adding that workers cannot be laid off unfairly. The period of maternity leave for women workers is fixed at 120 days.

The secretary said a committee headed by the additional secretary consisting of six representatives of the workers and the factory owners will review the minimum wage rules within six months.

He said the labour law will be amended by December in consultation with all stakeholders to ensure workers’ rights.

“The service benefits of the workers will be provided according to the labour law. In this regard, other necessary amendments will be made along with Section 27 of the Bangladesh Labour Act.”

The secretary said for reviewing the contributory provident fund, discussions will be held with both the workers and factory owners through the Department of Inspection of Factories and Institutions.

Besides, it was also decided that the Minimum Wages Revision Committee will give a recommendation by November on the feasibility and what to do in line with the Labour Act, taking into account the current inflation.

The labour secretary said, “The workers and the factory owners agreed and signed a joint statement in the presence of four advisers, expressing their intention to implement 18 points. Hope all industries will be open from tomorrow.”

Former Secretary General of Industrial Bangladesh Council Kutubuddin Ahmed said, “The workers will return to work accepting the announcements made by the government in view of our demands. If the organisations survive, we all survive. We - workers representatives - will always stand by the workers.”

BGMEA President Rafiqul Islam said, “Big factories in Ashulia have been closed for a long time. Despite all efforts by the government, BGMEA, and law enforcement agencies, the problem could not be resolved. Our labour leaders are also working there.

“Finally, with everyone’s united efforts, we have reached a uniform decision. If we face difficulty in some points, we will proceed through negotiations. My appeal to the working brothers and sisters - let us discuss any issues sitting at the factory. 

The road should not be blocked anywhere. I urge the labourer brothers, sisters and leaders not to vandalise.”

‘Action to be taken if there is chaos’

The home affairs adviser said all garment factories in the country will be opened from today, but if there is chaos then measures will have to be taken to restore order.

“We have reached an agreement after long discussions. This memorandum of understanding has been signed by both the owners and the workers. Everyone has to abide by it. Everyone has to make this commitment today. There is no reason or opportunity for us to back out of this agreement. No excuses can be made,” he said.

The home affairs adviser further said, “I appeal to the labourer brothers and sisters, you should not just sign the MoU. It should come from the heart that this industry will save us. This industry is giving us everything. It is giving a lot not only to you but also to the people. Not only one and a half million, but all the people of Bangladesh depend on this industry. That’s why you need to watch out.”

“This industry will start from tomorrow and there should be no chaos. If there is still chaos then other measures will have to be taken. That is not what we want. I want good orderliness and no chaos.”

The home secretary said, “We want to see the factories operational from tomorrow. Attempts are being made to destroy this industry through various means from different places - not only from inside the country but also from abroad. We all have to think about what will happen to us if this industry goes out.”

“You must not take the law and order situation into your hands under any circumstances. I would not expect any disturbance in the industrial areas from tomorrow (Wednesday). If it happens, you will be responsible for it, because you have signed the MoU. At that time you cannot back down. If everyone present here makes an effort, there will be no chaos, and the law and order situation will not deteriorate in any way.”

Labour Adviser Asif Mahmud said, “We have been working since the first day to fulfil the fair demands of the workers. Discussions have been going on for a month with all parties. We have identified 18 demands. A solution has been reached based on discussions with the factory owners and workers.

“On behalf of the government, we would like to say that your just demands have been accepted. I urge you to save the country’s industry, improve the law and order situation, move forward with the new Bangladesh acquired in exchange for blood and return to your respective workplaces from tomorrow. Let every factory run, let our industry live, let our industries not be lost. So I hope the workers, owners and government will work together.”

“Our appeal to the owners is that you take measures to pay the dues of the workers quickly. Legal action will be taken if any party tries to create disturbance.”