The Government declared for the garment industry minimum wages of 930 taka per month. Women earn in between 400 and 1500 taka. Women are in wage discriminated compared to men since their work is often classified as semi-skilled. The prospect of advancement in the industry is an important aspect of its appeal. Factory owners often ignore safety standards.
Factories are generally crowded and noisy.
There is insufficient light, inadequate ventilation and insufficient sanitation. To complete an order workers are sometimes forced to continue through the night while factory gates are locked. Maternity and medical leave are absent. Owners do not provide transport at the end of the very long shifts. Women have to walk home late at night when it can be very dangerous and the risk of sexual harassment is real.