BCC workers’ protest causes garbage crisis in Barishal

Sanitation workers of the Barishal City Corporation (BCC) have been on strike since last Tuesday, demanding a festival allowance (bonus) ahead of Eid.

The striking workers said their work abstention program will continue until a date for paying the bonus is announced. Forming a human chain, they held a rally in front of Ashwini Kumar Hall at 12 noon on Thursday (March 12), urging authorities to fulfil their demand immediately.

Earlier, they protested by hoisting strike banners in front of the Mechanical Branch Office of BCC in the Amanatganj area on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

In this regard, Barishal City Corporation Chief Executive Officer Rezaul Bari said the matter requires a decision from the ministry. According to BCC sources, a gazette issued during the interim government increased workers’ wages by Tk 16,000. The ministry, however, has a clear circular prohibiting festival bonuses for daily wage workers.

Therefore, there is no scope for providing bonuses, even if protests continue.
Meanwhile, garbage has piled up across the city due to the strike, causing stench and inconvenience for residents.

The aggrieved employees said that although salaries and bonuses were paid in the past, authorities recently informed them that bonuses will not be given to BCC workers, particularly sanitation staff.

They added that although they work a full month, 30 days,they are paid for only 22 days, as they are classified as temporary workers under the “no work, no pay” system. This situation forced them to call the strike.

The workers also said that if they protested, authorities promised to provide Tk 1,000 in the name of iftar, but no Eid bonus would be given. They are demanding Eid bonuses equivalent to a full month’s salary.
Worker Abdur Rashid Mia said, “We keep the city clean by enduring the stench ourselves. However, during festivals, we cannot afford to celebrate with our families.”

Labour leader Sohag said the protests have been ongoing since March 8. “Although the CEO of the City Corporation assured a decision within two days, no solution has been found yet.”