ZCZC
BSS-20
ILO-RMG-WAGE
ILO welcomes efforts to set minimum wages for RMG workers
DHAKA, Jan 14, 2019 (BSS) – The International Labour Organisation (ILO)
today welcomed the Bangladesh government’s efforts to set the minimum wages
for ready-made garment (RMG) workers and called all parties to help the
industry resume its activity.
“We acknowledge the genuine efforts of all parties, led by the Ministry of
Labour and Employment, to work towards setting minimum wages at an
appropriate level and to reach a consensus,” an ILO statement quoting its
Country Director for Bangladesh Tuomo Poutiainen said here.
The statement said that the ILO Country Office in Bangladesh is encouraged
by the Bangladesh government’s decision to revisit the minimum wages for
ready-made garment workers through an agreement reached on Sunday January 13,
2019 by a special tripartite committee set to examine and resolve the issue.
“Through this tripartite process of dialogue confidence is being built and
we call upon all parties to help the industry resume its activity,” ILO
Bangladesh chief said.
Noting that as a pillar of decent work, social dialogue plays a key role
in social and economic stability and equity, the statement said, “It creates
a framework for peaceful and orderly procedures addressing the concerns of
workers and employers.”
The ILO stands ready to accompany its tripartite constituents in
Bangladesh and the RMG industry in reviewing the wage-setting system to
ensure predictability for business and promoting sound industrial relations
through social dialogue and collective bargaining.
“We believe that establishing a strong wage policy for the country and
regular evidence-based adjustments through full consultation with all social
partners would contribute to inclusive growth, boost industry competitiveness
and strengthen social protection for workers,” Tuomo Poutiainen added.
BSS/SAS/TA/SSS/1807 hrs