Dozens injured in Bangladesh riots (protests against wages that they say are too low)

[pampango]

Source: Al Jazeera


Garment workers clashed with police during protests
against wages that they say are too low

At least 80 people have been injured after Bangladeshi police fired rubber bullets and teargas to disperse textile workers protesting for a third day against a new minimum wage.

The workers, who make clothing for international brands like Marks & Spencer, JCPenney, Wal-Mart and H&M, demanded a minimum monthly salary of 5,000 taka ($72). But on Thursday the government announced increased salaries of only $43 a month, for the millions of workers in the country's key export industry. This was an 80 per cent increase to the minimum monthly wage for garment workers - up from $24 - the lowest industry salary in the world.

Most unions spurned the offer, saying the workers need at least $72 a month to ensure a minimum standard of living in the face of surging food prices and property rents. Mosherafa Mish, head of the Garment Workers Unity Forum, which has been at the forefront of efforts to win better wages and working conditions for employees, called the pay hike "insultingly low".

On Saturday, Sheikh Hasina Wajed, the country's prime minister, told workers to "accept the pay hike and return to work", threatening tough action against those who remain on the streets. She said continuing unrest, that often disrupted production and damaged manufacturing plants, would not benefit workers, but instead could threaten their livelihoods.

The garment industry is Bangladesh's biggest export market, accounting for more than 80 per cent of the impoverished country's annual export earnings of $16bn.

Read more: http://english.aljazeera.net/news/asia/2010/08/20108119110690735.html

[Jensen]

1. Look in the mirror America someday that will be US! n/t

[valerief]

2. Yep, but our police use tasers. nt

[Fearless]

3. And lovely microwave emitters... oh wait... not yet... but they will.

[madrchsod]

4. what the hell is america going to do....

[jwirr]

5. Textile workers - wonder what American company is profiting off

their low wages?