Workers of a garment factory in Gazipur blocked the Dhaka-Joydebpur highway near Laxmipur area on Thursday demanding arrears of salary and Eid bonus.The workers complained that they have to protest every month to get their salaries.
According to police and factory workers, the readymade garment factory Style Craft Limited in Laxmipura area has about 4,000 workers and about 700 employees. Although half of the current month has passed, the salary for June and Eid bonus has not been paid yet.
Factory workers have been protesting for several days. The agitated workers blocked the Dhaka-Joydebpur highway after getting no response from the factory authority.
The blockade caused long traffic jams on both sides of the highway. After receiving the news, Gazipur industrial police and metropolitan police went to the spot and tried to bring the situation under control, but failed.
A factory worker said that the salaries of seven to eight months are due. The workers are not being paid even though Eid is approaching.
“The factory authorities have been saying that they would pay the arrears since July 7, but to no avail. That is why we have been protesting since last Wednesday. We will continue our protest if the salary is not paid”, he added.
Another factory worker said that the factory authorities never pay salaries and allowances on-time. They have to protest every month to get their wages.
Gazipur Metropolitan Police Deputy Commissioner Zakir Hasan said efforts were being made to resolve the issue by talking to the factory owner.
