Garment Sramik Trade Union Kendra will hold a demonstration in front of the National Press Club tomorrow, to demand an increase in minimum wage for readymade garment (RMG) workers.
RMG workers want minimum wage to be raised to Tk8000.
The decision to demonstrate was taken at a roundtable to discuss how to improve the living-standards of RMG workers in Bangladesh. Discussants sought ways to improve conditions in the sector so it can contribute towards the nation’s development.
Speakers said there is no alternative left but to demonstrate to ensure RMG workers receive appropriate wages.
RMG workers’ leaders said only if they were united and worked together would they be able to achieve their demands.
They said failure to protect workers’ rights would result in being at the mercy of garment factory owners’ and their musclemen.
Montu Ghose, president of Garment Sramik Trade Union Kendra presided at the roundtable while several others, including Jalil Talukdar, joint secretary of the union spoke.
Meanwhile, Garment Sramik Samonnay Parishad, another platform of RMG workers, plans to hold a rally at Suhrawardy Uddyan on September 21 to announce their demands.
Shipping Minister Shahjahan Khan is scheduled to attend the rally.
Sirajul Islam Rony, president of Bangladesh National Garment Workers Employees League told the Dhaka Tribune some local goons are threatening many garments workers with dire consequence if they join trade unions.
“At the grand rally we will protest against such obstacles that are hindering steps to meet workers’ rights,” he said.
