Around 85% garment factory owners were yet to take decision on paying salary and festival bonus of the workers before Eid-ul-Fitr, the workers’ leaders said.
“The RMG workers’ federations have conducted a survey and found that only 15% factory owners will pay wages and bonus by 15 July, while 85% did not take any decision,” said Moshrefa Mishu, president of Garment Workers Unity Forum (GWUF).
According to the survey, some owners, however, have plan to pay 40-45% of the current month wage in addition to bonus.
The survey also found that the owners would not pay overtime dues before Eid.
Mishu presented the survey results at a press conference yesterday organised to demand payment of salary and bonuses.
The leaders of the Forum urged the government to engage intelligence agencies with collecting payment information and take effective measures so every worker can get dues ahead of the biggest festival of Muslims.
A total of 10 lakh workers of subcontracting garment factories are in uncertainty about getting their wages and bonus before Eid, said Mushu.
She added the workers of sweater factories may also be deprived of payments.
According to Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), there are about 1,800 subcontracting factories in the country.
Ministry of Labour urged the factory owners to pay wages and bonus by July 26. Eid will be celebrated on 29 or 30 July depending on sighting of moon.
Mishu warned about the possible unrest in the RMG sector if the dues are not paid before Eid.
She also urged the government to provide financial support to the victims of Rana Plaza and Tazreen Fashion fire incident on occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr.