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Bangladesh:Garment workers get lowest wages in world, livelihood in danger |
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2004-10-26
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Majority livelihood of Bangladesh''s garment workers, who are among world’s lowest paid, is threatened with the tariff barriers expected to be lifted soon.
Unions inform about one million of the country''s 1.8 million in 3,700 garment units would be thrown out once the country complies with World Trade Organisation norms on trade barriers.
Most of these workers are being paid only 800-950 takas ($13-15) per month, according to media sources. Few factories maintain international standards, while most of them lack health safety measures.
There are an estimated 3,700 garment factories in the country employing 1.8 million people 85 to 90 percent women. Their workplace is overcrowded and many factories do not have proper ventilation or air-conditioning. They are also reportedly compelled to work 14 to 16 hours a day and seven days a week.
Most of the garment workers do not have appointment letters, identity cards or service records. They hardly get weekly, maternity or other legal leaves. They do not have gratuity, provident fund or insurance.
Trade union activities in the garment factories are strictly prohibited. The government recently approved trade unions in export processing zones due to continuous pressure from the US.
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