Tannery workers in Bangladesh have called on the government to expedite the publication of the gazette approving a minimum wage of Tk18,001 (US$150) for the sector.
This demand was voiced during a joint consultation meeting organized by Solidarity Center-Bangladesh in a city gathering attended by labor representatives and rights advocates.
Key participants included leaders of the Tannery Workers Union (TWU) and members of the Bangladesh Labour Rights Journalists Forum (BLRJF), highlighting the urgent need for improved social, economic, and environmental rights for tannery workers.
Speakers at the event expressed frustration over delays by the Ministry of Labour in publishing the final gazette, despite the recommendation being submitted 16 months ago by the minimum wage board.
Abul Kalam Azad, the president of TWU, and Abdul Malek, the union’s general secretary, emphasized the devastating impact of low wages on workers’ livelihoods.
According to the speakers, the current state of wage discipline in the tannery industry leaves many workers struggling to afford basic necessities. They underscored that implementing the proposed minimum wage of Tk18,001 (US$150) is essential for alleviating these challenges.
The relocation of the tannery industry from Hazaribag to Savar has compounded the hardships faced by workers.
In Hazaribag, workers benefited from nearby housing facilities, making commuting easier and reducing living costs. However, the absence of similar housing arrangements in Savar has left many struggling with long commutes and higher expenses, further eroding their quality of life.
This transition has exposed the sector’s lack of adequate planning to ensure workers’ well-being, a point reiterated by Kazi Abdul Hannan, president of BLRJF, during the meeting.
The speakers also highlighted the importance of creating a sustainable environment in the tannery sector, urging the government to take immediate action. Ensuring a livable wage and providing adequate facilities for workers are critical steps toward building a socially and environmentally responsible tannery industry in Bangladesh.
