On July 30, the Bangladesh government announced its proposal to raise the minimum monthly wage to 3000 Taka (€32), effective November 1, 2010. Of that amount, 2,000 takas would be the basic pay while 800 takas would be paid in house rent and 200 takas in health allowance. The apprentice level wage would increase to 2,500 takas (€27), up from the present 1,200 takas (€13).

PRESS RELEASE:

Garment-workers unions and labour-rights organisations have reacted with indignation and disappointment at the newly-proposed increase to the minimum wage in Bangladesh' garment industry. Yesterday the National Wage Board recommended an increase of the minimum wage to 3000 Bangladeshi 'taka' (£27).

Trade unions and labour groups in Bangladesh continue their call upon international buyers to ensure the compensation meets the needs of  the families of the workers who died in a fire in the Garib & Garib factory in February this year.

The National Garment Workers Federation of Bangladesh is urging the Bangladesh government to announce a minimum wage worth Tk 5,000 a month for the garment and textile sector by July 27 2010.