The New Nation - Internet Edition

A HEALTHY and congenial atmosphere is an essential precondition for maintaining uninterrupted production of readymade garment. It serves the interest of both the factory owners and the workers. The readymade garment (RMG) sector now earns the highest amount of foreign exchange for the country. So, it is not desirable that any untoward incident should disrupt production in the industry. But from movements waged by the workers from time to time on different issues the situation does not look that smooth. Recently some workers demonstrated in front of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) Bhaban in Dhaka demanding payment of salary and Eid bonus. A few weeks before, a large number of workers at the Tejgaon industrial area resorted to violent agitation around demand for increased iftar and other allowances. However, the BGMEA reportedly suspected some disruptive motives behind the unrest.

The RMG sector is export-oriented. One of the conditions of export contracts is that shipment of goods must be made on schedule. Delay in supply may result in the cancellation of order, non-receipt of the goods and non-payment by the foreign buyers resulting in losses for exporters. Labour unrest and resultant suspension of production cause such delays for which buyers divert subsequent orders to other countries. Even labour unrest is enough to discourage buyers from placing orders. The mere advantage of cheap labour may not be enough to keep the sector competitive. All concerned parties must remain cautious against any undesirable event that might hamper production. Irregular or delayed payment of salary to the workers is a potential source of labour unrest and suspension of production. Factory owners must take care of this.

A tripartite agreement on workers' wages is now in force in the sector. But it is alleged that some owners are yet to implement it. Such acts of non-compliance of the agreement can only go against the interests of the sector and serve the interests of its rivals. A hungry worker cannot give quality production. Japanese workers are known to consider the industries they work in as their own. This is because they are satisfied with what they are paid for their labour. It is alleged that interested quarters are very much active to cause harm to the sector. Such allegations may not be altogether baseless. Workers should also remain cautious so that they are not used to materialise such conspiracy against the interests of the nation. The 'export powerhouse' should be nursed properly by all concerned.