Out of the shadows: Women and wage struggle in the RMG industry of Bangladesh
Based on:
Journal Article (2017)
This research examines the nature of protests of the so-called docile women RMG (ready-made garment) workers in Bangladesh- their achievements and drawbacks in the ways of claiming labour rights.
Brief by:
Research collaborators:
The principal purpose of this research is to showcase the achievements and drawbacks of the wage struggles of women RMG (ready-made garments) workers in Bangladesh.
Key findings
The so-called ‘timid’ factory workers expressed their choices and strengths in wage negotiation.
It also showed how much change they have brought about, and what are their constraints for gaining more desirable outcomes.
What it means
Findings of this research convey that the workers have strongly been claiming a fair wage from the beginning of this industry. Over the decades, they have strengthened their leadership capacities by participating in ‘informal’ trade unions and extending networks among national and international labour rights advocates.
Their continuous protests against factory owners have triggered the Government wage board to set a minimum wage rate for different grades of workers.
Simultaneously, while demanding a fair wage, women have represented themselves as ‘peaceful’ protesters having primary concern about their ‘family’ survival. Therefore, a culture of inaction prevails, contributing to the workers’ inertia to collectively fight against the powerful actors.
As a result, the workers fail to achieve broader labour rights, and the global RMG industry benefits by exploiting cheap labour and suppressing workers’ voice and unionised actions.
The insights drawn from this study may assist in ensuring justice for the workers in the RMG sector, raising their productivity and quality of life.
Proposed action
The outcomes of labour protests portrayed in this study will be helpful to the trade union leaders and human rights advocates to envision strategies for ensuring women's effective participation in labour rights activism
The stated narratives justify RMG workers' need for a living wage, timely payment, and modification of rapid hiring and firing policies
There is a big need for intergovernmental negotiations and the move of international organisations (e
The above will be helpful to mitigate labour unrest and promote the sustainability of the global apparel and textile industry
These study findings could be used to inform the Government policymakers of Bangladesh (under the Ministry of Labour and Employment), who are primarily responsible for regulating labour laws and recommending changes to the wage structures and working conditions of the workers
This study may also guide the global brands (e
The findings can guide the labour rights activists to strengthen trade union activities within factories to abolish the orthodox labour exploitation practices
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Acknowledgements
Thank you to iDE Global
These insights were made available thanks to the support of iDE Global, who are committed to the dissemination of knowledge for all.
Special thanks to Christina Takayama for preparation assistance
We would like to extend a special thank you to Christina Takayama, for their invaluable contribution in assisting the preparation of this research summary.
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Out of the shadows: Women and wage struggle in the RMG industry of Bangladesh
Cite this brief: Dey, Soma. 'Out of the shadows: Women and wage struggle in the RMG industry of Bangladesh'. Acume. https://www.acume.org/r/out-of-the-shadows-women-and-wage-struggle-in-the-rmg-industry-of-bangladesh/
Brief created by: Dr Soma Dey | Year brief made: 2022
Original research:
- P. B., & Dey, S., ‘Out of the shadows: Women and wage struggle in the RMG industry of Bangladesh’ 23(2) (pp. 163–182) https://doi.org/10.1080/12259276.2017.1317702. – https://doi.org/10.1080/12259276.2017.1317702
Research brief:
This research examines the nature of protests of the so-called docile women RMG (ready-made garment) workers in Bangladesh- their achievements and drawbacks in the ways of claiming labour rights.
The principal purpose of this research is to showcase the achievements and drawbacks of the wage struggles of women RMG (ready-made garments) workers in Bangladesh.
Findings:
The so-called ‘timid’ factory workers expressed their choices and strengths in wage negotiation.
It also showed how much change they have brought about, and what are their constraints for gaining more desirable outcomes.
Advice:
The outcomes of labour protests portrayed in this study will be helpful to the trade union leaders and human rights advocates to envision strategies for ensuring women’s effective participation in labour rights activism
The stated narratives justify RMG workers’ need for a living wage, timely payment, and modification of rapid hiring and firing policies
- These are significant to reform the labour laws and industrial policies in Bangladesh.
There is a big need for intergovernmental negotiations and the move of international organisations (e
- g. WTO) to reform the global trade rules.
The above will be helpful to mitigate labour unrest and promote the sustainability of the global apparel and textile industry
These study findings could be used to inform the Government policymakers of Bangladesh (under the Ministry of Labour and Employment), who are primarily responsible for regulating labour laws and recommending changes to the wage structures and working conditions of the workers
This study may also guide the global brands (e
- g. H&M, Benetton, Best Seller, C&A, Inditex, Marks & Spencer, Mango, Matalan, Next, PUMA, PVH, Primark) to follow a standard ethical sourcing framework while doing business with local manufacturers. Consideration of moral values may inspire both stakeholders to recognise the workers as equal partners and provide them with fair wages, decent benefits and compensation packages. Responsible management will undoubtedly boost the workers’ productivity.
The findings can guide the labour rights activists to strengthen trade union activities within factories to abolish the orthodox labour exploitation practices
Extra:
Findings of this research convey that the workers have strongly been claiming a fair wage from the beginning of this industry. Over the decades, they have strengthened their leadership capacities by participating in ‘informal’ trade unions and extending networks among national and international labour rights advocates.
Their continuous protests against factory owners have triggered the Government wage board to set a minimum wage rate for different grades of workers.
Simultaneously, while demanding a fair wage, women have represented themselves as ‘peaceful’ protesters having primary concern about their ‘family’ survival. Therefore, a culture of inaction prevails, contributing to the workers’ inertia to collectively fight against the powerful actors.
As a result, the workers fail to achieve broader labour rights, and the global RMG industry benefits by exploiting cheap labour and suppressing workers’ voice and unionised actions.
The insights drawn from this study may assist in ensuring justice for the workers in the RMG sector, raising their productivity and quality of life.