Manufacturers of readymade garments (RMG) have decided to propose a minimum wage Tk 4,500 for garment workers before the wage board.
The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) held a meeting with all former presidents and other business leaders to take their opinion on the wage hike.
In its last meeting held in August, the wage board had asked owners' and leaders to submit their proposals in the next meeting. The meeting was attended by its office bearers including president Atiqul Islam among others.
Arshad Jamal Dipu, who is representing the owners, said there is a scope for government interference in the recommendations of the wage board and if the government wants, it can increase the wages. "The industry can't afford a minimum wage of more than Tk 5,000 ($64.7) at this moment," he said. "That is why we want to discuss the matter with the government so that the final wage remains within Tk 5,000."
Nazma Akter, resident of Sommilito Garments Sramik Federation said workers will be cheated if their basic payment is not increased properly. She feared that it might lead to an unwanted unrest among workers if their demand is neglected.
