Maintain peace in RMG sector

The coronavirus crisis has put the readymade garment industry in dire straits. When the owners decided to open the factory to deal with the situation, the workers also joined their jobs, risking their lives. But since the opening of the factories, the workers have demonstrated in a number of places. Last Wednesday, workers were attacked in Fateh Ullah and Jalal Haji Spinning Mill areas in Fatullah of Narayanganj district.

As many as 10 workers were injured in the attacks. The workers said they were attacked by the people of the garments owners while demonstrating to press home their demands for 100 per cent wages in April and Eid bonuses.

The owners, however, denied the attack, saying that the workers had vandalized the factories. If the owners did not have anything to do with the attacks, how did the workers get injured? Outsiders are not allowed to enter without their permission. On the other hand, there is no scope to vandalize the factory in the name of protests.

The movement has to take place in a systematic way. The employers initially said they would pay 60 percent of the workers' wages in April. The workers, on the other hand, demanded to be paid in full with Eid bonus. The owner later agreed to pay 65 percent of the wage, but did not say anything about the bonus.

This is the reason why the workers got agitated. Their argument is that the annual festival bonus cannot be stopped for a month's stagnation due to the coronavirus. Their claim is very logical.

Any dispute between employers and workers over wages should be resolved through proper discussions. The owners need to understand that factories do not run on capital and equipment alone and production does not take place only with them as well.

Workers are the lifeblood of a factory. If the business is to prosper, the workers must be given at least the minimum facilities.

But almost every day it is seen that the workers are protesting in the streets demanding wages and arrears. In many cases the owners close the factory without paying the arrears or wages. If the workers are not paid before Eid or the factory is closed, how will they manage their families?

Intervention of the BGMEA and the BKMEA as well as the government is needed in this regard. In this fragile state of the economy, it is important to continue production while maintaining peace and stability in the garments industry. Responsible behavior from both employers and workers is expected in this regard.