Garment workers protest over outstanding salary, bonus in Gazipur

Workers of Danys Knitwear in Tongi, Gazipur, have been protesting for four days demanding unpaid salaries and Eid bonuses.

The protesting workers on Wednesday said that after returning from the last Eid-ul-Fitr holiday, they found a notice extending the holiday by three days. When they returned, they were informed that the factory had announced a lay-off.

Hafizul Islam, a swing operator at Danys Knitwear Limited, said: "I want my legal dues. I have been protesting since April 24, but there is no solution. Life is very difficult. I have a family of six, including my elderly parents, wife, and two children. We are struggling without food due to not receiving my salary for four months.”

Suma Akhtar, a central member of the Bangladesh Garment and Sweaters Workers Trade Union Centre, said: "The workers heard that the owner had sold the factory. They went to Dhaka and surrounded the Shram Bhaban. A tripartite agreement was made, and the factory authorities withdrew the lay-off and announced a general holiday.”

“Another meeting was called to announce the final decision at the factory in Tongi on May 5, but the owner did not appear. The workers then again surrounded the Shram Bhaban in Dhaka. Under pressure from the protests, the factory authorities paid some workers on May 12. However, staff and workers in the knitting and printing sections have not been paid yet,” she added.

Himel, the merchandising manager of the factory, said: "These issues are being handled by the owner. We can't say anything.”

The factory's managing director, Kamal Hossain Howlader, could not be reached for comments.

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Additional Superintendent of Police of Gazipur Industrial Police Deepak Chandra Majumder said: "The workers have been standing in front of the factory gate for four days demanding unpaid salaries and Eid bonuses. I have spoken to the factory authorities. They said it is not possible to pay the workers until the shipment is made. However, they did not specify when the shipment will be. We are trying to resolve the issue.”

The factory employs 1,200 workers in its knitting and printing departments.