Continuous boat strike across country from November 28

Staff Reporter :
The boat workers have called for a continuous strike across the country for realisation of seven-point demands, including fixing minimum wage Tk 20,000 and compensation in case of death at work of Tk 12 lakh.
The workers have called the strike across the country from 12:01 AM on November 28 (November 27 night).
They announced the programme in a press conference held under the banner of ‘Sadharon Nau-Shramik Oikya Parishad’ at Sagar-Runi Auditorium of Dhaka Reporters Unity in Segunbagicha of the capital on Sunday.
The leaders said all types of boats, launches and cargo ships will join the strike. Leaders of various shipping labour organizations were present in the event.
They expressed their support for the programme.
Md. Sabuj Sikder, General Secretary of the Bangladesh Shippers Federation at the press conference said, “Although there is a provision to announce a new wage structure in every five years, the last wage structure expired on June 30 last year. But the boat owners’ organizations are not taking this matter into consideration.”
He said that the Labour Department and the Naval Ministry also failed to do anything in this regards after many negotiations lasting 16 months.
In the seven-point demand raised in the press conference, it was said that the minimum wage should be Tk 20,000 and the compensation amount on account of death at work should Tk 12 lakh.
They also demanded employment letter, identity card, service book, and discharge letter in case of voluntary resignation. Oppressions by the ship owners or government officials must be dealt with.