Apex clothing group BGMEA has reportedly warned certain member factories vulnerable to labour unrest to pay wages on time to prevent any unpleasant happenings in the current situation.
The call was made by the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) at a meeting with approximately 47 garment manufacturers that are susceptible to labour unrest at the BGMEA Complex in Uttara.
According to reports, the Industrial Police has compiled a list of around 60 factories that have either failed to pay wages on time or have done so after several months, or they are suspected of not being able to pay wages on time next month.
Talking to the local media, BGMEA Senior Vice President Abdullah Hil Rakib said Industrial Police regularly prepare such reports, especially on the eve of Eid.
“So, we had a meeting with those factories to know their present situation and problems, and provide necessary support they might need,” he said.
Chaired by BGMEA President Khandoker Rafiqul Islam, the view exchange meeting was attended by representatives from the BGMEA, Bangladesh Army, Industrial Police, Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments, DCs of Dhaka and Gazipur districts, DGFI, NSI, Community Policing on RMG and the vulnerable factories.
The meeting was called at a time when buyers and industry executives are constantly pressuring the relevant authorities to uphold law and order to hasten the restoration of a friendly business environment.
Additionally, there have been other instances of labour rallies in the industrial belt concerning unpaid salaries and other obligations.
The meeting addressed the overall labour situation within the garment industry, expressing concern over recent labour unrests and subsequent road blockades by workers, which led to severe traffic congestion and public inconvenience, Rakib noted.
He said they requested the units to ensure timely payment of wages and allowances hold regular meetings with workers to foster harmonious industrial relations, and collaborate with industrial police to address and resolve disputes, if any.
He said that the trade association recommended alerting the BGMEA and the workers in advance if a factory has a problem and is unlikely to make payments on time.
The group also decided that all parties involved should have a discussion to settle any disputes or problems that may arise between employers and employees over pay or other concerns.
