Gazipur RMG workers hit streets over four-point demand

Mondal Intimates garment factory workers in Gazipur have blocked Dhaka-Mymensingh highway to press their four pints demand, causing major traffic disruptions for commuters.

This protest has caused a 5km long traffic jam on both sides of the road, creating significant difficulties for passengers, drivers, and locals.

They have blocked the highway in the Bagher Bazar area of Joydebpur, Gazipur since 8am on Sunday.

Their demands include raising the attendance bonus to Tk1,000, a night duty bill of Tk100, allowing mobile phones inside the factory, granting half-day leave or ensuring that attendance bonuses are not deducted for taking a two-hour gate pass, and granting leave instead of being kept in the factory's medical center when sick.

Additionally, workers at MM Fashions and Composite Ltd in Khailkur, Gazipur Metropolitan, Seasons Dresses Ltd, Prince Jacquard Sweater Ltd, and Beximco Pharmaceuticals are observing work stoppages within their factories, protesting for various demands.

One of the protesting workers said: "Workers of nearby factories have protested and had their demands fulfilled. Even though we have expressed our demands to the factory authorities, they have been indifferent. Therefore, we are protesting to ensure our demands are met." 

Ziaul Kabir Khokon, president of the Garments Workers Trade Union Center in Gazipur, said: "Factories with no tardy workers and regular attendance provide an additional attendance bonus of Tk750 to workers every month. I believe this is the workers' right and a fair demand."

Suman Mia, an inspector of the Gazipur Industrial Police (Bagher Bazar Zone), said: "Since 8:30am, the workers have been blocking the highway and protesting. We are trying to discuss the workers' demands with the factory authorities."

Attempts to contact the Mondal Intimates garment factory authorities for comment were unsuccessful.

Meanwhile, Mosharraf Hossain, assistant police superintendent of the Gazipur Industrial Police, said: "Over 300 workers entered the factory. After half an hour, they stopped production, demanding payment of their August salaries, and began a work stoppage within the factory. Discussions with the owners are ongoing."

Later, 1,500 workers of Seasons Dresses Ltd stopped production and staged a work stoppage inside the factory, demanding half of their July wages.

The factory authorities of Seasons Dresses Ltd said that September 24 has been set as the date for payment of the outstanding wages.

Additionally, over 500 workers of Prince Jacquard Sweater Ltd have stopped production since morning, demanding payment of their August salaries. Discussions with the owners are ongoing. Workers of Beximco Pharmaceuticals in Tongi are also observing a work stoppage over several demands.