TNZ workers remain firm on demands for unpaid wages and allowances

Several hundred workers of garment factory TNZ Group are staging a demonstration today as well, occupying the main gate of the Labour Bhaban in Bijoynagar, capital. They started the sit-in from 9:00 am on Monday (May 19) demanding arrears, Eid bonus and service benefits. As they started protesting by hanging a banner in front of the Labour Bhaban, officers and employees are unable to enter the building. The workers said that no official will be allowed to enter the building until the promises are implemented.

They will not accept any assurance without a specific date and announcement. Demonstrating labor leader Shahidul Islam said that time has been given till 7:00 pm. If the demands are not met after that, harsher programs will be announced. The demonstrating workers crowded the main gate of the building from after 9:00 am today. Several officials who tried to enter were obstructed. Many waited in front of the gate and returned. No one could enter the building till 11:00 am. There are about 5,219 workers in 8 factories of TNZ.

Many of them have not received salaries for 1 to 3 months. Some have been deprived of due wages and allowances for a year. According to the latest calculation, the amount of workers' arrears is Tk 54,12,67,000. After several rounds of protests by workers since March 23 and payment of partial arrears, the latest tripartite meeting held between the Ministry of Labour, owners and workers on April 22 set May 7 as the date for payment of arrears.

Workers held a press conference right in front of the Labour Bhaban on May 10, alleging that the owners did not keep the promise to pay the arrears by May 7. Subsequently, no progress was made even after holding rallies in Dhaka and various places on May 11 and May 12. As a result, workers are continuing their continuous sit-in program.