A recent study by STITCH and BRAC University found that nearly 32% of readymade garment (RMG) factories in Bangladesh have failed to implement the revised minimum wage set in December 2023. All non-compliant factories are outside the Export Processing Zones (EPZs), while EPZ factories showed full compliance. Larger factories and those with trade unions also complied more consistently. Although many workers reported receiving the revised wage, confusion about job grades and entitlements persists.
Financial strain, lack of buyer support, and rising operational costs were cited as major reasons for non-compliance. Inflation has also eroded wage benefits, and workers face increased workloads. The report highlighted persistent gender pay gaps and called for urgent reforms to ensure the wage hike benefits reach workers as intended.
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