The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) has called on its member factories to implement the tripartite decision of a 9.0 per cent annual wage increment to sustain harmonious relations between owners and workers.
The call was made in a circular on Monday to ensure that garment workers get their enhanced wages from this month (January 2025).
Earlier on December 9 last year, the labour and employment ministry announced the rise in garment workers' annual wage increment to 9.0 per cent from 5.0 per cent, effective from December 1, 2024.
Explaining the decision of the minimum wage review and annual increment hike committee, it said: "Workers entitled to an annual increment on December 1, 2024 will get an additional 4.0 per cent of their basic pay along with the existing 5.0 per cent, with the total overall annual increment rising to 9.0 per cent."
It also added that workers entitled to the annual increment in any month after December would also get a total of 9.0 per cent hike.
A worker will be entitled to an annual increment after one year of service, according to a gazette notification issued by the Minimum Wages Board under the Labour Ministry.
Earlier, the labour ministry formed the minimum wage review committee to implement the two commitments of the 18-point demand that was agreed upon to address labour unrest in this sector.
Apparel workers mostly in Ashulia-based factories protested over a number of demands, including wage hikes, annual increment rise to 15 per cent, and hikes in other allowances.
Workers' representatives demanded a 15 per cent annual increment, which they later revised down twice to 12 per cent and finally 10 per cent.
On the other hand, owners' representatives initially proposed a 6.0 per cent annual increment, which they revised up twice, with the final amount being 8.0 per cent.
