Garment workers of two factories protest demanding arrears

More than a thousand workers of two garment factories are staging a protest sitting in front of the Department of Labour in Bijoynagar of the capital demanding arrears and various other demands. The protesters are employed at Seasons Dresses Limited and Taratex Fashion in Gazipur. Workers of Taratex Fashion came in front of the Department of Labour with banner-festoons containing various demands since Monday (June 16) morning. On the other hand, workers of Seasons Dresses have been staying there since Sunday (June 15).

Speaking with them at 12 pm on Monday, it was learned that 1,200 workers of Seasons Dresses have not received their salaries for two months. Another month is also coming to an end. Bonuses for the last two Eids are also in arrears. On the other hand, 1,200 workers of Taratex Fashion, another factory located in the adjacent area, have not received two months' salary and one Eid bonus either. Uncertainty has been created regarding the payment of arrears in both institutions. The owner authority has not given any kind of assurance in this regard. The workers were in movement before Eid as well.

At that time, it was informed from the government side that the matter would be solved after Eid. In that context, they had withdrawn from the movement. Meanwhile, neither the government nor the owner authority has communicated with them in any way. Hasib, a worker of Seasons Dresses, said, we took to the movement before Eid. At that time, the owner authority said that arrears would be paid in the week following Eid. Yet no initiative has been taken in this regard. Adibul Islam, a worker leader of Taratex Fashion, said, we have worked until now even without getting salaries.

But now our backs are against the wall. Therefore, we have been forced to take to the streets again. He warned that they would not leave from in front of the Department of Labour until their demands are met. Source: Bangla Tribune.