Unrest in garment sector
For resolving the industrial unrest immediate action is needed on all fronts. In a short while, the minimum wage for the garment workers is due to be announced. It is desirable that the 'minimum wages' take into account the very basic needs of the workers. The workers need food, consistent with the arduous hours of work that she or he has to undergo. She also needs a place to sleep (at least a tin shed).
The Directorate of Labour has to play an important role to ward off a fire before it can start. The workers' council, comprising the government, the employer and the worker have to be in place, before the trade union rights can be exercised in full. Much can be achieved, if there are continuous dialogues between the three parties.
A number of urgent welfare measures are required to be taken.
The garment factories are inflammable places. For the past twenty years or more, the fire episodes have taken place, one after another and this has not stopped so far. Hundreds of workers have died so far. Broad staircases, easily accessed is an immediate need. Workers have to be trained in the use of fire extinguishers. There may be a fire frill once a month.
The workers are an important player in our drive to earn foreign exchanges. And their needs are required to be taken care of adequately.
The workers have also to understand that there is a fierce competition in terms of pricing our products in the international market.
Much can be achieved through the tripartite dialogue, if this takes place at regular intervals, and also when there is a crisis.
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