Workers of a readymade garment unit have demonstrated in Dhaka (Bangladesh), blocking a key thoroughfare in the capital city, protesting irregular payment and demanding due arrears.
Over a hundred workers, mostly females, of Gold Star Design Limited, located on Kazi Nazrul Islam Avenue, came down to the streets around 1:00 pm on April 16, 2018, and blocked the busy road for about an hour before police intervened and removed them peacefully.
“It is the 16th of April. We have not been paid our wages of March yet. That is why we are protesting,” Mosammad Sabina, a demonstrating worker, told Apparel Resources.
Akram Hossen, a Senior Line Operator at Gold Star Design, told us that the owners have not cleared his dues in the last four months and that he wished to return home with the arrears.
Another worker, Sabina, told, “We have our house rent due. We are being forced to buy food on credit from local shopkeepers. The factory owners always pay our wages very late. How long can we keep up living and working at the same time?”
Apparel Resources even reached the factory and found that it had hung an advertisement for recruitment of 60 workers – for operator, ironman and helper. From what could be known, about 400 workers are already employed in the factory.
The office of the factory was found closed and no officials could be found available for comment.
Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) has been following a strict policy to clear all payment and arrears of the workers at all factories to avert labour unrest. Shortly due within 3 months, is a new improved pay structure for the workers.