Impacts of COVID-19 on Textile Industry Workers in Bangladesh: Socio-Economic Perspective

ABSTRACT

This study is designed to explore the impacts of the COVID pandemic on the socio-economic status of textile workers and to suggest ways for balancing the turnover rate. For the study, a cross-sectional study design and mixed-method approach were employed. The researchers conducted a questionnaire survey of 357 textile workers using convenience sampling and, 5 KIIs, 20 IDIs, and 5 FGDs using purposive sampling. The study area was the Gazipur district of Bangladesh, a hub of the textile industry. Findings from Principle component analysis revealed that 54.38% of the total observed variation can be explained by five components. Working Environment (r = –0.699), Payment System (r = .987), Savings (r = .920), Employee Turnover Rate (r = .769), and Social Status (r = .558) of employees are identified by PCA as the most strongly correlated variables that have significant impacts on the socio-economic condition of textile workers due to Covid 19 pandemic. Finally, through Logistic Regression Analysis, the study has found that Safe Working Environment (OR = 0.203, 95% CI 0.098-0.419), Satisfactory Payment Structure (OR = 2.196, 95% CI 1.354-3.561), and Provident Fund Facilities (OR = 2.908, 95% CI 1.497-5.651) can reduce the turnover rate of textile workers. Additionally, effective labor unions and adequate training facilities can also balance the adverse socio-economic impacts on the textile workers. © 2023 DMICS.