SAVAR: The workers of three garment factories in Savar-Ashulia area Thursday began agitation on various demands, mainly pay and perk hike, generating fresh unrest in the industrial hub.  

Witnesses said the workers of Natural Benin Limited company’s apparel factory in Tangabari area of Ashulia abstained from work to press their 13-point demand.

The fresh move started in the morning in a sequel to Wednesday’s labour unrest over the demands, including 100 percent Eid bonus, payment of salary arrears of August and overtime bill, removal of two production managers and nine-day Eid vacation.

On Thursday morning, the workers joined work following an amicable solution reached at a meeting with the authorities. “But when we realized that the authorities backtracked on their decision, we stopped work,” said many an agitating worker.

On information, the law-enforces and BGMEA representatives went the spot and called on the labourers to return to work.

Managing Director Masud Rana of the factory told banglanews24.com.bd that they assured of meeting their demands in phases, but the workers “gave pressure” to fulfill all the demands at one go.

However, the MD said most of their demands are “illegal".

Ashulia Thana OC Sirajul Islam told banglanews24.com.bd that a negotiation between the owners and the workers on the demands was underway and “we hope it’ll be solved”.
 
He also said the situation was under control and additional police were deployed for factory`s security.

In another pre-eid trouble, the workers of Fa Apparels and Badrunnesa Sweater in Hemayetpur area of Savar started work abstention for a raise in salary, bonus, and overtime and piece rates.

BDST: 1230 HRS, SETEMBER 2,2010