Livelihood Challenges of RMG Workers: Exploring Scopes within the Structure of Minimum Wages and Beyond
Moazzem, Khondaker Golam; Arfanuzzaman, Md. | December 2018
Abstract
This paper examines the livelihood issues of the workers in the readymade garments (RMG) sector of Bangladesh, and identifies the scope of determining a minimum wage that would address their requirements of a decent livelihood standard. The study observes a compositional change in workers’ household expenditure patterns, where non-food expenses have taken up the larger share. Workers of all grades were found struggling to meet their essential needs, which indirectly implies that their earnings are inadequate for spending beyond the subsistence level. The study finds that, rise in the number of family members puts pressure to manage additional costs. The poor earnings of workers are also reflected through their possession of a very limited number of household assets. The study proposes a number of changes in the structure and composition of minimum wages, such as raising of basic house rent, inclusion of childcare and education allowances, amending the transport allowance, and adding service benefits. The study proposes minimum wage for entry-level workers at BDT 10,028 (USD 119). It further recommends a number of non-wage measures to improve workers’ livelihood through community development.
Citation
Moazzem, Khondaker Golam; Arfanuzzaman, Md.. 2018. Livelihood Challenges of RMG Workers: Exploring Scopes within the Structure of Minimum Wages and Beyond. © Centre for Policy Dialogue. http://hdl.handle.net/11540/9496.ISSN
2225-8175 (Online)
2225-8035 (Print)
Keywords
Commerce and Industry
Intra-Industry Trade
Large Scale Industry
Labor
Textile Industry
Rayon Industry
Cotton Industry
Clothing Industry
Alleviating Poverty
Anti-Poverty
Extreme Poverty
Fight Against Poverty
Global Poverty
Health Aspects Of Poverty
Indicators Of Poverty
Participatory Poverty Assessment
Poverty Eradication
Poverty Analysis
Poverty In Developing Countries
Poverty Reduction Efforts
Urban Poverty
Industrialization
Industrial Economics
Industrial Development
Industrial Policy
Weaving
Textiles
Textile Workers
Wool Industry
Silk Industry
Small Scale Industry
Medium Scale Industry
Local Industry
Export Oriented Industries
Shoe Industry
Clothing
Hosiery Industry
Fur Industry
Leather Industry
Income Distribution
Demographic Indicators
Social Justice
Capital market
Developing countries
Market share
Labor
Work clothes industry
Women's clothing industry
Children's clothing industry
Uniforms industry
Underwear industry
T-shirt industry
Sweater industry
Suspender industry
Sport clothes industry
Sleepwear industry
Shirt industry
Shawl industry
Men's clothing industry
Leather garments industry
Textile industry and fabrics
Fabrics
Cloth
Wool-growing industry
Garment industry
Apparel industry
Belt industry
Glove industry
Footwear industry
Social change
Social accounting
Inequality of income
Economic growth
Quality of Life
Green Revolution
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