Target monitors violent worker protests in Bangladesh

Target and other retailers are keeping an eye on violent protests by garment factory workers in Bangladesh who are demanding higher wages.

Police fired rubber bullets and tear gas Monday in the third day of clashes with thousands of workers. Most of the confrontations have occurred just outside Dhaka, where hundreds of factories produce clothing for many big global brands. Police said more than 100 factories were closed for the day.

Workers are demanding that their minimum monthly wage be raised to about $100, from the current $38. Factory owners say such a hike would inflate their production costs too much.

Target is monitoring the situation closely and has seen "minimal impact" on its supply chain so far, a company spokesperson said. The Minneapolis-based retailer does business with about 35 factories in Bangladesh, importing a relatively moderate $100 million to $150 million worth of goods a year from the country.