Workers of Khantex Fashions Factory, under KFL Group, in Gazipur’s Sreepur upazila staged protests on Tuesday demanding unpaid wages and other outstanding dues.
Following the agitation, the factory authorities announced a holiday for the day.
The workers, numbering in the hundreds, began their protest at 8am in front of the factory located in Bartopa village under Mauna Union.
According to the workers, they had been peacefully protesting inside the factory since Saturday, demanding the payment of half of their November salary, the full salary for December, and various overdue benefits. These benefits include night duty allowances, tiffin allowances, incentives, Friday duty payments, production bonuses, earned leave pay, and maternity leave benefits accrued over the past four years.
“We can’t even recall the last time we received some of these benefits,” said Lutfar Rahman, an overlock operator in the knit section.
Several workers echoed his sentiment, adding that irregular salary payments have persisted for the past two years, with payments often delayed until the 15th, 18th, or even 25th of the month instead of the standard 8th working day.
A manager in the production wing, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed that even management staff salaries, including those of executives, managers, and general managers, are three months overdue.
Some senior staff were reportedly dismissed earlier this year without receiving their dues for January and February.
Workers expressed frustration with factory authorities, accusing them of failing to provide clear answers about when salaries and benefits would be paid.
Inspector Abdul Latif Khan of the Gazipur Industrial Police (Sripur Zone) said: “The workers have been protesting peacefully for several days, demanding their outstanding wages. This morning, they marched to the main gate, after which the authorities announced a factory holiday for the day. Despite this, many workers remain at the site, insisting they will not leave until they are paid.”
Humayun Kabir, assistant general manager (AGM) of the factory's Human Resources and Administration Department, denied the workers' allegations.
He said: “The salary payment issue arose due to delays in bank LC clearances. This problem has persisted for two months. We have informed the workers that all dues, including pending salaries, will be cleared by December 30. While most workers agreed to this resolution, some are still dissatisfied.”
Azizul Islam, general secretary of the Garment Workers Trade Union Centre’s Gazipur district unit, said: “Khantex factory has long been failing to pay workers' salaries and dues on time. We demand immediate payment of all outstanding amounts to the workers.”
