Dhaka, Nov. 25 -- Tannery Workers Union (TWU) on Tuesday alleged that widespread worker layoffs, the expansion of an illegal contractor system and a government initiative to bring the leather industry under BEPZA (Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority) have created extreme uncertainty in the sector.

They raised the concerns at a press conference at an event in the capital.

TWU President Abul Kalam Azad and General Secretary Abdul Malek said the revised minimum wage gazetted on November 21 last year and subsequently declared by the ministry has yet to be implemented in the tannery industry.

Despite nearly two years of discussion, tripartite meetings, and a final decision from the ministry, the owners have taken no effective steps...