Despite increase in salary, Bangladeshi garment workers still denied living wage
The proposed in increase in Bangladesh's minimum wage has been criticised as insufficient by the National Garment Workers' Federation (NGWF), a leading Bangladeshi trade union and War on Want partner.
The proposed in increase in Bangladesh's minimum wage has been criticised as insufficient by the National Garment Workers' Federation (NGWF), a leading Bangladeshi trade union and War on Want partner.
After convening last week for the first time since 2006, Bangladesh's national wage board has announced that it raised the minimum salary from 1,662 taka (£15) per month to 3,000 taka. Under the new wage structure, however, garment workers will still face dire poverty. In Bangladesh the rising cost of food and other basic needs has led to worsening living conditions for the country's 2.5 million garment workers.The NGWF demanded a guaranteed living wage of 5,000 take (£45) for all garment workers, and spearheaded a pressure campaign that included sit-ins and demonstrations. The trade union is now calling on the wage board to reconsider its decision.
In addition to demanding a minimum salary commensurate with a living wage, the NGWF is campaigning for a halt to the creation a garment industry police force and the right to freedom of association.
A longstanding partner of the NGWF, War on Want supports its campaign for a living wage for all garment workers.
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