Violence amongst RMG workers
The smouldering discontent among the garment workers manifested itself once more on Tuesday, as the workers clashed with the police in Gazipur and ransacked 10 factories, leaving 50 people injured.
The trouble was triggered by a rumour that three workers of a factory, who had fallen sick, died in a hospital. The workers were driven to frenzied action by the rumour and did not even bother to check whether it had any basis. And the violence that they resorted to proves that they are ready to pounce on anything going against their perceived self interest, not guided by logic in this instance.
Obviously, the owners and the workers in the country's premier foreign exchange earning sector have failed to converge on a point where mistrust and misgivings would make way for a sound and professional owner-worker relationship. Labour unrest threatens to destroy discipline and order in the sector, which in the long run will cost the nation dearly.
While there is absolutely no doubt that the workers rights have to be established, it is equally important that they refrain from subversive activities which have already caused great damage to the industry. What is particularly worrying is that even the factories which comply with the provisions of the tripartite agreement are being targeted. This obviously smacks of foul play, if not a conspiracy.
The owners have to get to the bottom of the labour unrest in order to find a durable solution. Some pertinent questions need to be answered to have a better understating of the situation prevailing in the sector. Why do the workers turn so violent? Are the demonstrations spontaneous or prompted by the subversive elements having ulterior motives? The workers agitate to press home their demands. That is normal in any industrial setting. But when they are aroused to violent action by rumours, some of which sound ridiculous, there is reason to be worried.
The BGMEA has to play a greater role in defusing tension in the factories. The latest outbreak of violence does suggest that there might be issues, apart from the workers' wages and other benefits, which have to be dealt with efficiently. The BGMEA should work on developing a strategy to ensure better understanding between the owners and the workers.
The government's directive to the law enforcers to handle the matter with an iron hand is understandable. But the principles of fairness and justice have to be upheld under all circumstances. The workers must get their due, while the owners must not fall victim to vandalism.
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