IMPACTS OF THE COVID-19 ON WORKERS IN THE READY-MADE GARMENTS INDUSTRY OF A DEVELOPING COUNTRY

Abstract This study describes the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the ready-made garment (RMG) workers of Bangladesh. The study also aims to reveal and alleviate the adverse impacts on RMG workers through suggesting some policy measures. The responses from 200 apparel industry workers of Bangladesh through semi-structured interviews have been collected employing purposive methods of sampling. Based on interview with the RMG workers, the existing literature and personal communications with RMG workers, it identifies the consequences that the RMG workers faced during the first phased of COVID-19 in Bangladesh. COVID-19 affected the RMG workers adversely in different aspects of their lives, their physical and mental health, socio-economic aspect, migration of occupations, job security, employment, food security, social safety and so on pervasively. This study also assessed the measures taken by Bangladesh Government as well as the regulators of the RMG industries. The COVID-19 pandemic caused the cancellation and suspension of buying orders from Multinational Corporations (MNCs) and many MNCs have increased pressures on Bangladeshi garment factories to lower order volumes as well as to provide price discount. This study suggests some policy measures and recommends safety measures. Finally, the study identifies issues to be studied further.