5 DEPZ factories shut amid workers' unrest
At least five export-oriented factories in Dhaka EPZ were declared closed for an indefinite period on Monday amid worker unrest for an additional amount outside the wage structure.
The factories are – Gunze United Ltd, Experience Clothing Co Ltd, Queen South, Ring shine, Bengal Plastic, Paddock's Jeans and Redpoint Jackets Ltd.
Recently, five other factories were shut amid worker unrest demanding the same. Those are -- MNC Apparels Ltd in Chittagong EPZ, Styrax Fashion and Paddock's Jeans in Dhaka DEPZ, Agami Apparels located at Ashulia, and Moonlight Garments located at KB Bazar, Gazipur.
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Among the factories, Agami Apparels has remained closed since 8 January, while three others announced shutdowns from 13 January.
As per the law, the workers would not be entitled to receive a salary during the factory closure.
However, three other factories – FCI-Talisman Ltd, CKDL and Shanta Denims Ltd, which were closed recently amid worker unrest, have resumed production on Sunday with a commitment to adjust an additional amount.
Meanwhile, the factory of Epic Group, which is now closed, is scheduled to be opened today. The company has decided to pay an additional amount to the workers.
On the other hand, two other companies – Moonlight Garments and Agami Apparels stated in separate notices that they have closed production due to the "illegal" unrest of workers over the new wage structure.
Talking to The Business Standard on Monday, Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) President Faruque Hassan said some factories in and outside the EPZ are facing workers' unrest demanding an additional payment beyond the wage structure.
He said the factories have been compelled to shut production for an indefinite period due to the unrest.
Bangladesh Garment Sramik Samhati President Taslima Akhter said, "So far, I know many workers' salaries have not increased proportionally, and many also did not get promotion on time. That is why workers are protesting at several factories."
She said owners should consider the workers' demand, considering the ongoing soaring inflation.
Meanwhile, protesting workers of some 15-16 factories returned to their workplaces following their owners' announcement to pay an additional amount, a top official of Chittagong EPZ told TBS, on the condition of anonymity.
