ZCZC
BSS-31
TIPU-RMG-LABOURER
Tipu warns RMG factory owners not to harass labourers
DHAKA, Jan 26, 2019 (BSS) – Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi today said owners and labourers have to work in unison to lift the country’s apparel sector forward and stressed on forging cordial relations among the parties to advance the ongoing progress.
“Owners have the responsibilities to look after the facilities of labourers and they have to keep attention so no labourer would face any harassment by the management,” he added.
The minister was addressing a dialogue on the present scenario of the readymade garment (RMG) sector organized by the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CDP) in city’s Brac Inn as the chief guest.
Terming labourer as the lifeline of RMG industry, he said any type of problem can be solved through discussion. “They (labourer) should fix their representatives to discuss with the management regarding any problem, which would also help stop the scope of spreading propaganda.”
The commerce minister urged the factory owners to be cautious so that none could make the industry unstable spreading rumors.
He also laid emphasis on the necessity of fair price from the buyers for RMG items.
CPD Research Director Dr Khandaker Golam Moazzem made keynote presentation on the issue.
In the dialogue, CPD suggested for raising awareness among management and labourers regarding changes of wage as well as establishing more effective communication. It also advocated for conducting more view exchange meetings with the stakeholders in future during the initiative of wage hike.
Besides, the female labourers should be apprised of their grade, wage and other financial issues properly. Moreover, the think-tank also said the buyers and brands should set a joint strategy so the factories could handle the stress of wage hike.
CPD Chairman Professor Rehman Sobhan chaired the dialogue while its distinguished fellow Dr Debapriya Bhattacharya moderated the session.
FBCCI President M Shafiul Islam Mahiuddin, BGMEA President M Siddiqur Rahman and Garment Shramik Trade Union Kendra President Mantu Ghosh, among others, spoke on the occasion.
BGMEA President said the recommendation passed by the CPD is not suited to the socioeconomic condition of Bangladesh. “Bangladesh is on the journey to become a middle income country from the lower middle income one. So, the recommendation is not applicable for us.”
BSS/PR/MAK/KU/1846 HRS