Tuba Group Workers Action Committee called upon the stakeholders to ensure jobs for 1,600 workers who were rendered jobless due to the shutdown of the group’s five RMG units.
Moshrefa Mishu, convenor of the committee, made the call at a media briefing in the city yesterday.
On August 18, the Tuba Group owner announced the closure of five of his factories in line with article 13(1) of Labour Act 2006.
In her address, Mishu threatened to wage tough movement and continue till their demands are met.
At the briefing, she made a three-point demand including reopening of the closed factories, ensuring jobs security for 1,600 workers of the group, scrapping of Delowar’s bail and punishment for him as he was alleged to have killed workers deliberately in Tazreen Fashions.
To realise their demands, the Tuba Group workers’ platform will hold a sit-in in front of the National Press Club on August 29 and stage demonstration in front of the Labour and Employment Ministry on September 7.
Mishu, also the president of Garment Workers Unity Forum, criticised Shipping Minister Shajahan Khan for his recent involvement in the RMG sectors.
“There is no country in the world, where a minister represents his ministry and RMG workers simultaneously,” said Mishu.
In the name of Workers Coordination Council of so-called 53 organisations, the minister is trying to rein in the RMG sector, but failing to protect his own sector from facing frequent mishaps, alleged Mishu.
Mishu termed the closure of those factories illegal, adding that the government in the face of pressure also termed the shutdown illegal.
The closure of Tuba Fashions, Tuba Textiles, Mita Design, Taif Design and Bughsan Garments made over 1,600 workers jobless.
On July 28, at least 1,200 workers of the five factories went on an indefinite strike at Hossain Market in Badda area, demanding payment of three months’ wages, overtime and Eid bonuses.
Following the demonstrations, BGMEA under the government pressure paid two months’ wages to more than 1,600 workers of Tuba Group.