Representatives of garment factory owners and workers have agreed to implement the new minimum wage structure for readymade garment (RMG) workers from December 1, with the increased wages to be paid in January along with the salaries for December.

The decision was announced today following the first meeting of the eighth Minimum Wage Board for RMG workers at the board's office in Segunbagicha in the capital.

Worker representative and Bangladesh Garments and Industrial Workers Federation General Secretary Babul Akhter told journalists that both sides had reached a consensus on implementing the new wage structure from December 1 and paying the revised wages in January.

He said there was no disagreement between the two sides on the matter.

The workers' representatives proposed completing the process of determining the new wage structure within December. 

They will submit their written proposal at the next meeting.

Babul Akhter also called upon all workers' organisations to work together to formulate a reasonable wage proposal and place it before the board.

Employer representative and Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) Director A B M Shamsuddin also confirmed the consensus on completing the wage determination process within December.

He said the discussions were held in a cordial atmosphere, with both sides agreeing to expedite the process so that workers could receive the increased wages with their January payment for December.

The meeting was chaired by Minimum Wage Board Chairman Syed Azad Subhani.

Speaking to journalists after the meeting, he said the government formed the new wage board for the RMG sector on November 1, and the first meeting was held within three days of its formation, enabling the wage determination process to begin promptly.

He said the meeting focused on introducing the board members and discussing the legal procedures and necessary steps for determining the minimum wage.

Representatives of both employers and workers shared their experiences and views.

The chairman expressed hope that both sides would submit their written proposals at the next meeting.

He said the next meeting of the board is planned for next week.

Usually, a six-month timeframe is allocated for determining minimum wages in an industrial sector. 

However, the government has formed the present board promptly, and he expressed optimism that recommendations could be prepared and submitted to the government within the stipulated timeframe.

Addressing workers, Syed Azad Subhani said the board members are working with due consideration for their interests. 

He expressed hope that the board's recommendations will reflect workers' expectations.

During the meeting, workers' representatives also raised several issues beyond wages, including implementation of labour laws, trade union rights, leave and other workplace benefits.

They urged the government to take necessary steps to address these concerns gradually.

Babul Akhter said ensuring workers' other rights and facilities was equally important alongside determining the minimum wage.

He called upon the relevant authorities to refrain from harassing labour leaders, ensure the release of arrested workers and labour leaders, and prevent any form of abuse against them.

He also urged workers to maintain normal production activities in factories, saying the responsibility for determining the minimum wage rests with the government's wage board.

He called for resolving workers' grievances through dialogue rather than halting factory production through protests, adding that both employers and workers wanted to work together to ensure workers receive their rightful wages.

It may be mentioned that the government formed a six-member Minimum Wage Board on November 1 to determine new minimum wages for RMG workers.

The initiative came amid labour unrest in several industrial areas over demands for higher wages. 

The newly formed board has been tasked with making recommendations on minimum wages through consultations with representatives of employers, workers and neutral members.