Pay hike in Bangladesh waits ministry approval

(Vatican Radio) A government-appointed board voted to nearly double the monthly minimum wage for Bangladesh’s garment workers, from about $38 a month to about $68, or 50 euros. It would apply to all workers in Bangladesh's clothing industry, if it is approved by Bangladesh's Labour Ministry.

The leader of one labour union is quoted as saying he expects Bangladesh's prime minister to intervene and ensure the increase takes place. An election is due in January.

Yesterday, opposition groups took to the streets, amid a three-day general strike. A similar shutdown last week turned violent, with at least 16 people reported killed.

Bangladesh's garment industry employs about four million people.

But representatives of the industry warn that a sudden increase may bankrupt smaller factories and drive foreign buyers elsewhere. Bangladesh is the world's second-largest clothing exporter after China, and the sector is by far the biggest industry in Bangladesh.

Listen to the report by Alastair Wanklyn: