RMG factory owners urged to pay workers by June 14

FT ONLINE

The government has directed different industries and readymade garments (RMG) factory owners to pay labour wages and allowances by June 14, before the beginning of the Eid holidays.

“We urge different industries and RMG factory owners to pay the labour wages and allowances in labour-intensive areas on a regional basis by June 14,” Mujibul Haque Chunnu, state minister for labour and employment , told reporters after a meeting of the crisis management core committee held at the Secretariat yesterday.

Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers' and Exporters' Association (BGMEA) president Siddiqur Rahman, United Federation of Garments Workers' president Roy Romesh Chandra, Narayanganj district deputy commissioner Rabbi Mia, workers' leader Sirajul Islam Rony, representatives of police, BKMEA and different ministries attended the meeting.

The state minister also directed the owners of industrial units and RMG to make part payment of workers' wages for the month of June as per their capacity and convenience.

“The decision is not mandatory. But we request the owners for part payment of June—this will resolve the problems faced by the workers and enable them to celebrate Eid smoothly with their relatives,” he said.

Eid-ul-Fitr, the biggest festival of Muslims, is likely to be celebrated on June 16 or 17, depending on the sighting of the moon.

“We have requested the leaders of the BGMEA and BKMEA to announce the Eid holidays on a regional basis to avoid any untoward incident or traffic jam. It will help the holidaymakers to continue their journey comfortably on the highways, waterways and railway routes. The BGMEA and BKMEA will fix the holiday dates on a regional basis in their respective factories,” said Chunnu.

The state minister also said that as per the labour law, factory or industry owners have to pay the previous month's wages for all workers within seven working days of the current month.

“Normally, RMG owners pay their workers' wages on a regular basis. Moreover, we're asking them to pay the workers' wages and Eid bonus on time,” he added.

Citing transport problems, the state minister said it would create a difficult situation if all the factories announced holidays simultaneously. “Considering this problem, we have suggested to the RMG owners to announce holidays regionwise to reduce the pressure on highways and other modes of transport,” he added.

Chunnu urged the highway police to ensure a smooth journey for RMG workers so that they could travel home by avoiding ramshackle buses. He also directed the law enforcement agencies to ensure security so that the workers could travel with their wages and allowances safely.

The state minister also requested all state-owned industrial units to pay their workers' wages and bonuses on time so that the workers could celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr in a joyous mood with their relatives.