Garment wage board gazette within 2 days of workers' nominations: Minister

Labour and Employment Minister Ariful Haque Choudhury has said the government will issue a gazette notification forming a wage board for the garment sector within two days of receiving the workers' nominees.

The government and employers have already submitted their representatives' names, he said while speaking at a press briefing on labour unrest and the wage board at the Cirdap International Conference Centre today (27 October).  

The government was now waiting for the workers' nominees, he said, urging labour leaders to discuss the matter and finalise their representatives within the next week.

Once the names are received, the gazette will be issued within two days, provided there are no public holidays, he added.

Addressing outstanding wage payments, Ariful urged factory owners to take immediate steps to clear dues.

The government would contact factories where workers' wages remain unpaid to facilitate prompt settlement, he said.

The minister called on workers, employers and the government to work together to resolve labour unrest, suggesting that disputes arising within factories should first be addressed internally with support from labour unions, employers' associations and the government.

He also urged workers not to take to the streets or disrupt traffic, while calling on government agencies to prevent unaffiliated groups from creating unrest.

The minister stressed that industrial operations must continue while protecting the interests of both workers and employers.

He said the government was committed to workers' welfare and expressed hope that all stakeholders would act responsibly in line with decisions reached at tripartite meetings.

Abdur Rahman Tarafder, secretary to the ministry, moderated the briefing, which was also addressed by representatives of employers and workers.