Clear dues of workers before Eid: State minister for labour tells employers
They were also told not to lay off workers or close down factories before Eid
The government has instructed employers across all sectors to clear the salaries and bonuses of their workers before the Eid holiday, said State Minister for Labour and Employment Nazrul Islam Chowdhury on Wednesday (27 March).
"Employers have agreed to comply with the instructions," he said while speaking at the 77th Tripartite Consultative Council meeting of the Ministry of Labour and Employment at the Bangladesh Secretariat.
The state minister discussed various issues, including salaries, bonuses, and Eid holidays, at the meeting with the stakeholders.
"The owners have been instructed that Eid holidays for workers of different sectors must not be any less than the government holiday. Leave will be granted in consultation with the factory workers' representatives.
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"They were also told not to lay off workers or close down factories before Eid."
He was optimistic that workers would not need to protest on the streets to demand salary and bonus this year and receive their salary and bonus before the beginning of Eid holidays.
Representatives from employers and labour organisations, including those from the ready-made garments sector, attended the meeting.
According to a list prepared by the Industrial Police, at least 416 factories are likely to face problems paying wages and bonuses to their employees before Eid-ul-Fitr.
Of the factories, 171 are member factories of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association, 71 are members of the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers Association, and 29 are members of the Bangladesh Textile Mill Association, say sources.
The Industrial Police held a meeting on Monday to discuss preparations for preventing any undesired problems regarding the payment of RMG workers' salaries and Eid bonuses.
In a press statement issued after the meeting, the Industrial Police said, "If the owner of a garment fails to pay the salary and other allowances, we request that they find an alternative.
