The Industriall Bangladesh Council made a statement regarding the ongoing labour unrest in various industrial areas of the country, where workers are demanding an increase in wages even as they placed the responsibility for this unrest squarely on the shoulders of garment factory owners.
During a press conference held at the Dhaka Reporters’ Unity in the capital Dhaka recently, leaders of trade unions expressed their concerns about the wage issue.
The trade union leaders highlighted the unjust wage proposal put forth by the factory owners’ representative to the minimum wage board, which has caused considerable distress among the workers.
Amirul Haque Amin, the President of IBC, emphasised that this situation has resulted in a significant delay in setting the minimum wage since the board’s formation in April.
Salauddin Shapon, an IBC committee member who also served as the former Secretary General of the organisation, characterised the owners’ proposal as illogical, as it effectively reduces the wages of the aggrieved workers.
It’s important to note that while the IBC leaders acknowledge the labour unrest, they do not endorse or support it.
Babul Akhter, Vice-President of IBC, clarified that no labour organisations, including the IBC, have officially called for any demonstrations at this time. He pointed out that the ongoing protests are the independent decisions of the workers, who have been waiting for a minimum wage announcement that is long overdue.
He highlighted the wage board’s failure to declare the minimum wage within its mandated six-month period.
The IBC leaders called upon the workers to refrain from resorting to violence and expressed their deep concern over the tragic deaths and injuries sustained by workers during various demonstrations.
They also expressed concerns about police actions against local labour leaders and harassment of workers, urging the authorities not to target any workers.
