Workers dissatisfied with increased increment, 35 factories stop production

Workers of various garment factories in Ashulia are on strike demanding a 15 percent increase, rejecting the announcement of a four percent increase in annual increment.

In this backdrop, the authorities have declared a general holiday in at least 19 garment factories in the industrial area. In addition, workers have stopped production in 16 factories.

General holiday was declared in 12 factories from 9am to 10:30am on Wednesday (December 11). However, until the afternoon, the number of factories declaring general holiday rose to 19.

Sources from the industrial police said the workers are not creating any kind of chaos or trouble. However, the workers are not satisfied with the increased salary. They demand a 15 percent increment. That is why the workers have stopped working. Many workers have left the factories again. Some 12 garment factories declared general holiday on Wednesday morning. Later, seven more factories were forced to declare general holiday. In addition, workers entered 15/16 more factories and stopped work. Later, when the authorities of these factories tried to convince them to return to work, they left the factories. Production in a total of 35 factories has been stopped today.

The workers said they are observing a strike on seven demands. A 4 percent increment has been announced for the workers. However, all the workers were demanding 15 percent. In addition, there are six more demands.

Industrial Police-1 Superintendent of Police Mohammad Mominul Islam Bhuiyan told the media that the workers are basically not satisfied with the increased increment. Therefore, many have stopped working and left. However, they are not creating any kind of anarchy or chaos.