Fugitive forces infiltrated garment workers’ protests: Mahdi Amin

Evidence has emerged that “fugitive forces” have infiltrated the garment workers’ movement to create instability in the industrial sector, Prime Minister’s Labour and Employment Adviser Mahdi Amin has alleged.

In a post on his verified Facebook page today (2 November), he said associates of the ousted authoritarian government were trying to divert workers’ wage demands through incitement and sabotage.

Amin, also spokesperson for the Prime Minister’s Office, said the government was committed to ensuring workers’ fair wages, dignity and rights, while taking into account the garment industry’s capacity, production costs and competitiveness in international markets.

He said the Ministry of Labour and Employment had formed a new wage board comprising representatives of employers, workers and neutral parties to review garment workers’ wages.

“We believe that constructive and multi-dimensional discussions will lead to the determination of a fair, reasonable and balanced minimum wage for workers,” he wrote.

However, he expressed concern that a group was attempting to destabilise the garment industry despite the initiative to determine wages on time.

He alleged that associates of the ousted government were using incitement and sabotage to divert workers’ wage demands, adding that evidence had emerged of “fugitive forces” infiltrating the movement to create unrest.

Amin said attacks on factories, arson, vandalism of police vehicles and boxes, and assaults on transport and infrastructure ran counter to workers’ interests.

He warned that damage or closure of factories would hurt workers most, increase unemployment, reduce export earnings and harm the country’s economy.

“While ensuring workers’ right to raise their legitimate demands, we cannot allow terrorism, vandalism or the destruction of industries,” he said.

The adviser warned that attempts by banned political groups to create instability by exploiting the workers’ movement would not succeed. Those involved in violence, vandalism and sabotage would be brought to justice, he added.

He also said law enforcement agencies would continue to play a responsible role in ensuring workers’ safety and their right to raise demands peacefully.

Amin urged workers not to be misled by rumours or provocations, assuring them that the government would support their legitimate demands.