FRESH labour unrest in dozens of industrial units at Savar and Ashulia and in Gazipur on September 23 suggests that the authorities have failed to address the issue sustainably. On September 15, the unrest was somewhat contained and most factories reopened after a tripartite call of the owners, labour leaders and advisers to the interim government on industries, labour and employment, and fisheries and livestock ministries. At least 70 units, mostly apparel factories, were forced to suspend their operations on September 23. The fresh unrest began after workers of a few factories took to the streets demanding the payment of unpaid wages for part of July and August. The labour ministry, meanwhile, met factory owners and labour leaders when labour leaders placed an 18-point demand. The demands include, among others, the reconstitution of the wage board to freshly set minimum wages for workers, amendments to labour laws, an immediate payment of all outstanding wages, provident funds, a 10 per cent yearly wage increase and food ration for workers, the withdrawal of cases against those involved in the 2023 wage protests, compensation and medical care for workers dead or wounded in the July-August movement, support for Rana Plaza survivors, establishment of daycare centres in all factories, stopping of unlawful terminations and the extension of maternity leave to 120 days.
All the demands have merit and need to be addressed for a healthy development of the apparel sector, one of the major pillars of the economy. It is understandable that all the demands are unlikely, if not impossible, to be met within days. But demands such as the payment of outstanding wages need to be met at the earliest to create an environment conducive to full operations of the factories. The unrest at a time when fresh orders come aplenty is highly likely to have a lasting negative impact on the sector. September and October are crucial for the sector as most western buyers place orders in these two months targeting Christmas. Any disruption now in the sector will give benefits to Bangladesh鈥檚 competitors, which obviously are eager to seize the market. What is also a cause of concern is the allegation made by factory owners that the unrest is created by outsiders and is politically motivated. While the allegation appears a typical response of owners, it bears some truth as a leader of the Chhatra League, the student wing of the Awami League, was arrested on September 8 after a provocative speech in front of apparel workers at Savar had gone viral. This suggests that the unrest might be, to some extent, politically motivated and outsiders, local or foreign, might have attempted sabotage.
The government needs to address labour rights issues effectively and immediately to bring stability to the sector. The authorities must ensure that workers get their outstanding bills at the earliest. They should also provide security for industrial areas and investigate whether the unrest is an act of sabotage.
