Revised RMG wages to be effective from December 1

Photo: collected

Representatives of garment factory owners and workers have agreed to implement the new minimum wage structure for readymade garment (RMG) workers from December 1, with the increased wages to be paid in January along with the salaries for December.

The decision was announced on Wednesday following the first meeting of the eighth Minimum Wages Board for RMG workers at the board's office in Segunbagicha in the capital.

Worker representative and Bangladesh Garments and Industrial Workers Federation General Secretary Babul Akhter told journalists that both sides had reached a consensus on implementing the new wage structure from December 1 and paying the revised wages in January.

He said there was no disagreement between the two sides on the matter.

The workers' representatives proposed completing the process of determining the new wage structure within December.

They will submit their written proposal at the next meeting.

Babul Akhter also called upon all workers' organisations to work together to formulate a reasonable wage proposal and place it before the board.

Employer representative and Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) Director A B M Shamsuddin also confirmed the consensus on completing the wage determination process within December.

He said the discussions were held in a cordial atmosphere, with both sides agreeing to expedite the process so that workers could receive the increased wages with their January payment for December.

The meeting was chaired by Minimum Wages Board Chairman Syed Azad Subhani.

Speaking to journalists after the meeting, he said the government formed the new wage board for the RMG sector on November 1, and the first meeting was held within three days of its formation, enabling the wage determination process to begin promptly.

He said the meeting focused on introducing the board members and discussing the legal procedures and necessary steps for determining the minimum wage.

Representatives of both employers and workers shared their experiences and views.

The chairman expressed hope that both sides would submit their written proposals at the next meeting.

He said the next meeting of the board is planned for next week.