DHAKA: Bangladesh raised the minimum monthly pay for the country’s 4 million garment workers by 56.25% on Tuesday, a decision immediately rejected by unions seeking a near-tripling of the figure.
The South Asian country’s 3,500 garment factories account for around 85% of its 55 billion dollars in annual exports, supplying many of the world’s top fashion names, including Zara, Levi’s, and H&M.
But conditions are dire for many of the sector’s 4 million workers, the vast majority of whom are females whose monthly pay starts at 8,300 taka ($75).
Strike in Bangladesh
Workers have gone on strike to demand a near-tripling of their pay, with violent scenes in recent days, while employers offered 25%, according to AFP news agency.
The minimum pay is fixed by a state-appointed board that includes representatives from the manufacturers, wage experts, and unions.
The board secretary, Raisha Afroz, said that the new minimum monthly pay for garment factory workers has been fixed at 12,500 taka ($113). The increase was immediately rejected by unions, which have been demanding a 23,000-taka minimum.
