The government has announced revised minimum monthly wages for employees and workers in the shrimp industry, which is a significant contributor to the country’s exports. The new wages come with increases ranging from 46 to 51 percent for each grade.
In a gazette notification issued by the Ministry of Labor and Employment, the new minimum wage board was established, marking the first revision since 2015. Earlier this year, representatives from both industry owners and workers were appointed to review the minimum wages in the shrimp industry.
The ministry then invited written objections or recommendations within 14 days of publishing the notification, seeking input from stakeholders.
The government has categorized workers and employees in the shrimp industry into six and four grades, respectively. As per the gazette, workers in grade six will now receive a minimum monthly wage of Tk 6,700, with Tk 4,200 designated as the basic pay. This represents a significant increase of about 51 percent compared to the previous wage board. Additionally, the housing allowance makes up 35 percent, or Tk 1,470, of the total salary.
In 2015, the minimum monthly wage for grade-six workers was set at Tk 4,419, with Tk 2,940 as the basic pay.
The gazette also outlines an annual increment of 5 percent of the basic pay, with an additional cumulative increase of 5 percent scheduled for the following year.
Across all worker grades, a medical allowance of Tk 730 has been established, marking a substantial increase of around 143 percent from the previous Tk 300. Similarly, the transport allowance has doubled to Tk 300.
For apprentice workers, the new monthly wage during the three-month apprenticeship period is set at Tk 5,307. In cases where the apprentice’s performance is unsatisfactory, the apprenticeship period may be extended for an additional three months. After completing the apprenticeship, employees will enter a novice period lasting six months, during which they will receive Tk 5,761 per month.
Khondoker Aynul Islam, the owners’ representative on the wage board and managing director of Southfield Fisheries Limited, expressed satisfaction with the process, stating that efforts were made to establish a reasonable and negotiable minimum wage plan for workers and employees. He mentioned that the negotiations proceeded smoothly, acknowledging that while the new wages may not fully meet their needs, they aimed to find a mutually agreeable position.
Industry insiders highlight the significance of shrimp farming as a vital source of employment in the country’s south-western coastal region. Approximately 12,000 people are directly employed in 105 shrimp processing plants, while the industry as a whole engages around one million individuals in various roles.
