Keya Group has laid off 739 more workers and employees from its four factories in Konabari of Gazipur.
A notice announcing the decision was posted at the factories’ main gate around 10:30 pm on Monday. Workers gathered outside the factory on Tuesday morning to check the lists of those affected.
The factories are Keya Group’s Knit Composite Division, Spinning Division, Cotton Division, and Keya Yarn Mills Ltd.
According to the notice, the factories have been under lay-off since June 6 due to banking complications and unpaid gas bills, with the period extended several times.
The notice, signed by the company’s managing director and chairman, cited gas disconnection, banking complications, and excess manpower as reasons for cutting production and administrative costs. Some positions across different sections and divisions have been abolished.
The layoffs took effect yesterday under Section 20 of Bangladesh Labor Act, 2006. The company said workers would receive their lawful dues.
Ashrafuzzaman, organising secretary of the central committee of Jatiya Garments Sramik Jote, condemned the layoffs, saying 739 workers at Keya Knit Composite had been dismissed through a single notice following five rounds of lay-offs. He demanded payment of outstanding dues, lawful benefits, and compensation.
A company official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said employees whose jobs remained intact would continue under the lay-off arrangements and receive benefits as required by law. Skilled workers who had been laid off would get priority in future recruitment under Section 21 of the Labor Act, the official added.
Keya Group Human Resources Manager Sabina Yasmin said all dues would be paid in accordance with labor laws.
Gazipur Industrial Police Superintendent Mohammad Amzad Hossain confirmed the layoffs, adding that police had been deployed at the factory gate to maintain law and order.