BGMEA’s President, Mr. Faruque Hassan addressed all members of the Action, Collaboration, Transformation (ACT), an initiative comprising 19 international apparel brands and retailers, as well as the IndustriALL Global Union. This letter was a response to ACT’s communication in early September which discussed the minimum wage board.
ACT’s letter expressed the hope and desire for the minimum wage board to arrive at a consensus that would establish a new wage, encompassing the minimum income required for workers to meet their essential needs and have some discretionary income within regular working hours.
In its letter, BGMEA emphasized that the responsibility for improving workers’ lives lies not only with the manufacturers but also with brands, consumers, international organizations, and trade unions. The trade body pointed out that implementing a new wage structure would be unfeasible without cooperation, especially considering the challenge of maintaining low product prices amidst high inflation and the ongoing global economic crisis.
BGMEA assured that Bangladesh maintains safe workplaces for its workers and that the apparel sector is actively advancing, particularly through its sustainable and environmentally friendly initiatives.
Mr. Faruque Hassan, President of BGMEA, underscored the critical role of workers in the industry and affirmed their commitment to providing better wages. He also stressed that buyers and brands share the responsibility of offering fair prices for products, highlighting that ethical purchasing practices are vital for enhancing the quality of life for workers.
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