Staff Reporter :
Production has come to a standstill at 35 garment factories in Ashulia as workers went on strike demanding a 15 percent wage increment, rejecting the recently announced 4 percent annual increase. In response, authorities have declared a general holiday in at least 19 factories, with workers in 16 other factories also halting production and walking out.
The protests began early Wednesday morning, with workers expressing dissatisfaction over the salary adjustments. According to the Industrial Police, workers have maintained order during their demonstrations but have been firm in their demands.
12 factories had declared a general holiday. As the strike gained momentum, the total number of factories declaring holidays rose to 19 by noon.
Additionally, NASA and Trouser Line Garment Factories were officially closed under Section 13(1) of the Labor Act, which permits temporary factory closures during unrest. Workers in several other factories, such as Ethical Garments, also left their workplaces without engaging in production.
A worker from Knit Asia told The New Nation “For the past three days, there has been unrest in our factory. The workers are refusing to work, joining others in demanding a 15 percent increment.
They also block the Ashulia road in Savar to press home their 6-point demands including accrued leave money payment for 2024 by Dec, Offer an attendance bonus for three days of leave and no deduction of any attendance bonus for medical leave, granting a 100 per cent grade, no “general duty” during Ramadan, Tk 120 for Iftar if workers are required to work more than eight hours, dues clearance in cash on the last working day.
On Tuesday, production activities in at least 10 factories in the area were similarly disrupted due to the ongoing strike, adding to the industrial deadlock.
Workers are reportedly striking over seven demands, with the primary issue being the 15 percent wage increment. They argue that the 4 percent increase is insufficient given the rising cost of living. The other demands have not been detailed publicly, but they reportedly address broader worker rights and welfare concerns.
The Garment Owners’ Association confirmed that workers in multiple factories stopped work on Wednesday morning to press for their demands. As the protests escalated, factory authorities responded by declaring holidays to avoid further disruptions.
