DHAKA: After the fire at Tazreen Fashion, ill fate did not leave the readymade garment workers. Around 20 percent workers are likely to be lost their jobs this year too.

According to Bangladesh Garment Manufactures & Exporters Association (BGMEA), the production of around 400 small and medium factories is likely to be stopped in current year if they fail to pay minimum wage. So, 10 percent workers will lose their job.

On the other hand, big factories are going to install modern technology to increase productivity declining cost of production.
And most of the primary work would be done through the machine. So, preliminary stage workers lose jobs due to lack of the requirements. As a result, more 10 percent workers will lose job for the introduction of new technology.

As per the calculation, around eight lakhs workers (total 20 percent) are going to lose their jobs, said BGMEA source.

BGNEA vice-president Md Shahidulalh Azim admitted that modern technology may force workers’ retrenchment.

Where a factory earlier needed one thousand workers in entry level but it can continue production with fewer workers after installation of modern technology. This lower recruitment of workers will be reduced the production cost somewhat, he added.

On the other hand, labour groups have welcomed the decision of introduction of advanced technologies.

Tapon Shahha, general secretary of Textile Garments Workers Federation, opined that rather than lay off the workers, the owners have to take responsibility for providing training to make them skilled.

BDST: 1104 HRS, JAN 25, 2014