Every year, there is a brouhaha surrounding wages and Eid bonuses of RMG workers; it is unfortunate that, this year, too, was no exception. According to the BGMEA, a total of 160 factories failed to pay festival allowances on time while 32 factories failed to pay wages prior to Eid-ul-Fitr, although labour leaders claim that the number of non-complying factories was actually much higher.  Why, we ask, do we see repeated instances of owners defaulting on workers' wages and benefits? Why must workers take to the streets every Eid to demand what is rightfully theirs?

The workers of Swan Garments and Swan Jeans have been protesting since July 12, demanding payment of outstanding wages of three months from April-June. The operations of these factories were suspended on April 10, without any prior notice. 

Their protests have thus far fallen on deaf ears of the BGMEA and government. Three months have passed since Swan's owner absconded, but no progress has been made in terms of selling Swan's assets to pay the workers or hold him to account. A committee has been formed by the labour ministry to address the situation, but there is a fear that this may be an eye-wash to assuage them, and that they will not see concrete results anytime soon. The fear is understandable, given that, despite assurances from the government and the BGMEA, the workers of Tuba garments who waged protests during last Eid did not get paid in full.  

We demand that the government and BGMEA take immediate action against the absconded owner and pay the workers in full without any delay.