In a study published recently by the Asia Floor Wage Alliance, an organisation led by Asian labourers, it was revealed that garment workers in Bangladesh are consuming insufficient calories compared to the poverty-level calorie standard set by the Government.
During a webinar organised collaboratively by the Asia Floor Wage Alliance (AFWA) and Remake, a global advocacy organisation, the study titled Towards a Woman-Centred Living Wage Beyond Borders was unveiled.
The study further revealed that garment workers not only face challenges in meeting their basic needs but also spend more on their families than they earn (in income).
According to the study conducted among 300 workers from 63 factories in Bangladesh, it was discovered that readymade garment workers consume 1,950 calories per day, amounting to Taka 120, which falls short of the national standard of 2,122 calories per capita.
The study also revealed that a family of four would require over Taka 24,000 per month to meet the standard calorie intake.
These findings were presented by Md Arifur Rahman, the AFWA country coordinator in Bangladesh, based on data collected in June 2022.
Taking into account various factors such as housing, food, healthcare, transport, education, and other essential needs, the Asia Floor Wage Alliance (AFWA) calculated the living wage requirement.
The findings indicate that for a family consisting of four members, the workers would need 3,000 calories, which would amount to Taka 51,000 in expenses.
According to the testimonies from workers and trade union leaders, it is evident that the typical monthly earnings of a worker in Bangladesh range from Taka 10,000 to Taka 12,000.
This income is significantly inadequate to cover essential expenses such as housing, food, education, and healthcare.