Workers of Softex Cotton Pvt Ltd and Fame Knitwear Ltd have been passing their days in uncertainty following temporary closure of both the factories a month ago.
Of a total of 6,000 workers, many are yet to manage jobs elsewhere following the decision of the authorities.
The factories were shut down as they had failed to meet standards set by Bangladesh Accord Foundation. This is a group of 150 global clothing brands and retailers who intend to improve RMG factory conditions and working environment.
A worker named Sufia said: “My daughter and I worked at Softex. We have already been paid for the next three months but we are concerned about what will happen next. I must find a new job to run my family.”
A worker at Fame Knitwear, Monwara Begum has four children, three of who are studying in school. Her husband is a rickshaw-puller.
“I could not find any job. It will be a burden for our family if I fail to manage another source of earning. I am worried,” she told the Dhaka Tribune.
Another worker Arju Akter said: “I worked at Fame Knitwear for the last four years. Now I am working at Poshomi Factory in Gazipur which is owned by the same owner.”
On March 6, the officials concerned decided to close the two factories temporarily because they were dilapidated.
During a recent visit, the Dhaka Tribune saw owners of the factories evacuating the establishments. Most of the equipment and machinery were being transferred to other factories of the owners in Gazipur, Mirpur and other areas.
Md Milon, production manager at Softex Ltd, told the Dhaka Tribune that since the factory had been declared closed, they were shifting the equipment from the upper floors to the third floor.
“Each of the workers was given three months’ salary. We were in operation for many years and nothing happened. Now this Accord came out of the blue and we had to suspend production for the time being,” he said.
Established in 1994, Softex produces sweaters and exports those to France. Their annual turnover in 2012-13 fiscal year reached around $25m.
Rezwan Selim, managing director of the factory, told the Dhaka Tribune: “There has not been any measure yet to revamp the factory. Once completed, we will be given a certificate. I may think of reopening the factory then.”
The authorities of Fame Knitwear Ltd are also transferring their equipment, though they were allowed to resume production following evacuation of the Softex factory.
Md Moshiul Azam Shajal, a BGMEA director and owner of the factory, said: “I was thinking of relocating the factory in 2015. I recently asked the staff to transfer the equipment to the other factories in Gazipur and Mirpur. I do not want to take any risk.
“The factory was built in 1993 and I bought it in 1997. I may incur a loss of $4-$5m. But my biggest loss will be the loss of reputation.”
The factory exports to France, Switzerland, Germany and Italy. It recorded an annual turnover of $2.5-$3m in 2012-13.
BGMEA Vice-President Shahidullah Azim said workers were the worst sufferers following such closure of factories.
“Columns of the buildings became weak. So those were shut down because accident may occur any moment.”
The executive director of Bangladesh operations of the Accord, Rob Wayss, said: “This is an agreement among global clothing brands, retailers and trade unions. The agreement is the product of thorough negotiations between the industry and the labour signatories. All are equally committed to successful implementation of it.”
He hoped that the initiative would improve safety and sustainability of the RMG industry in Bangladesh. “This success will benefit workers, factory owners, the industry and the country as a whole.”
