In a big respite to the garment workers who were apprehending massive wage deduction in view of the countrywide shutdown that had stalled work in the thousands of garment manufacturing factories for almost a month, the Government has come out with proposed wages for the month of April, for all garment workers.

Following a tripartite advisory council meeting held at capital Dhaka, State Minister for Labour Monnujan Sufian, revealed the information.

As per the State Labour Minister, those who could not work during April will get 60 per cent wages; full wage for those who worked the full month and, workers who resumed work after 26 April to get 60 per cent wage of 25 days and full wage for the remaining 5 days.

In the meeting it was also decided that owners of factories will not terminate any worker before Eid nor embark on any fresh recruitments.

The decision taken by the Government, however, failed to earn much appreciation from the labour leaders.

We want 100 per cent salary for all workers as it is a very difficult time for us all, underlined President of National Garment Workers Federation Amirul Haque Amin while the President of Sammilito Garment Sramik Federation Nazma Akter said that ‘the sector has the capacity to pay salaries in full’, while demanding that all workers be paid full wages for April.