The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) has called upon workers to return to their workplaces, emphasising that factory owners are preparing to implement the new wage structure starting from 1st December.
This is as per reports, which added the BGMEA cautioned that, under Section 13(1) of the labour law, factory owners have the authority to close their units if workers refrain from returning to their workplaces or leave without joining their duties.
In a statement, the BGMEA also urged workers to refrain from engaging in activities that could potentially drive international clothing retailers and brands away from Bangladesh to other destinations.
Faruque Hassan, the President of BGMEA, expressed surprise at the ongoing demonstrations and instances of factory vandalism by some workers, especially after the announcement of the new wage structure.
The wage board for garment workers has established a minimum salary of Taka 12,500even as union leaders have rejected this new minimum wage and threatened to escalate demonstrations.