A routine task such as getting to and from work can be pretty daunting in these days of communication blockade but for the RMG workers, fresh out of a crisis surrounding revision of their minimum wage, it has become something of a torture.
The workers have to endure various hassles in order to keep the wheels of the billion-dollar industry turning. While some have access to staff transport services provided by their employers, others are not as lucky and have to travel on their own.
Many of these workers have complained of scarcity of public transports and increased fares as a consequence of the risks associated with commuting during blockade hours.
According to an estimate of Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), there are several thousand workers – a good number of them female – employed by different apparel factories in the port city’s Chittagong Export Processing Zone, Karnaphuli Export Processing Zone and other areas.
The hassles of travelling means that not only do they have to risk their lives to come to their workplace and back, they also have to spend extended hours in the absence of public transports.
Asma Khatun, a worker of Crislen Garments residing in the city’s Bahaddarhat area, said the factory managed a truck for staff transportation but it was hardly accessible.
Salma, a colleague of Asma, said: “I have to start for office around 6am. My office starts at 8. I cannot come back home before 11 because of scarcity of vehicles.”
The problem of transports led many to walk. Rafiza, a worker of Modern Garments, residing in the Kadamtoli area, said she preferred walking to her office which was around seven kilometres from her residence.
“This way it is safer and more hassle-free, although it takes much time. I have to start at 6:30am,” she added.
Some workers, desperate to find alternatives to passenger buses and trucks, are compelled to take rickshaw for a slower but more expensive ride to their office.
However, the problem was further exacerbated by the icy winds of winter which, according to Mokhtar Hossain, a worker of Stylish Fashions, could be very difficult at times. “I have been sick for the past few days but not getting to work is not option. Going out in the cold in the morning can be very difficult.”
Another worker, AKM Saiful Islam, who works at the Youngone Factory, said the obligation of having to attend office under any circumstances was not duly compensated. “Our employers only give us salary but who will pay for these risks and hazards?”
