Historic Win: Bangladesh Hikes Minimum Wage For Garment Workers

The garment workers in Bangladesh have finally won a raise in their wages after protesting for months. The authorities in Bangladesh will raise the minimum wage for garment workers by 56.25 per cent, State Minister for Labour and Employment Monnujan Sufian said. The workers will also get a 5 per cent annual increment. It is the first hike in their wages since 2019.

Monnujan Sufian, the State Minister of Labour and Employment of Bangladesh, confirmed the hike on Tuesday after a week of protests by garment workers, calling for higher salaries.

What is the new wage of garment workers?

The minimum wage for garment workers in Bangladesh will be increased from 8,000 taka to 12,500 taka per month. The new wage policy will come into effect from 1 December, 2023. The minimum wage for garment workers has been increased by 56.25 per cent.

Monnujan Sufian said, “We are announcing the minimum wage for garment workers as per Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s directive.”

Bangladesh garment workers

In Bangladesh, some 4,000 factories employ over 4 million garment workers. They have been receiving low wages for years. Low wages to garment workers have helped Bangladesh build its garment industry.

The garment industry in Bangladesh accounts for almost 16% of GDP. The garment workers are a mainstay of the economy. 

Siddiqur Rahman, a former president of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association, said, “Government welfare cards will be provided to the workers, later the ration cards will be given to them so they can buy essential commodities at cheaper rates.”

What can garment workers expect?

The garment workers in Bangladesh will witness an increase in their wages. They will now receive 12,500 taka per month. They will also get an annual increment.

Last month, at least 20 people were injured when Bangladesh workers clashed with factory staff, demanding a hike in their minimum wages and a safe environment for the employees. They entered the Next Collection factory of Hamim Group in Ashulia, Bangladesh, and clashed with the factory staff. The workers said that they needed a good salary amid high inflation.

Bangladesh workers strike

Last month, several factory workers blocked the Dhaka-Tangail highway in Gazipur, demanding a hike in the minimum wages. The workers clashed with police officers. Workers blocked the highway in Bangladesh, demanding salary hike.

They demanded a minimum basic salary of Tk 15,000 amid the high cost of living. The workers also demanded a 10 per cent annual increment for garment workers. 

Earlier, Bangladesh Garments and Industrial Workers Federation President Rafiqul Islam Sujan demanded a minimum wage of Tk24,000 for garment workers.