Labour body urges keeping Gazipur production running by stopping outsider infiltration
The Shromik Mukti Sangram Parishad has called on workers to return to their workplaces and keep production normal to resolve the ongoing labour unrest and instability in Gazipur's garment industry.
The demands were made at a press conference held at Gazipur Press Club on Tuesday (3 November). The organisation's convener Tamiz Uddin Tanu read out a written statement at the press conference, titled 'What must be done to resolve the ongoing labour unrest and protect peace and discipline in industry and for workers'.
The organisation also demanded that outsider infiltration and provocative activities in industrial areas be prevented, fair wages for workers be ensured, and harassment through arrests and cases be stopped.
In his written statement, Tamiz Uddin Tanu said: 'Keeping the production system of garment factories running is extremely important to protect the country's economy and workers' livelihoods. Workers must stay alert and aware so that outsiders or any vested group cannot take the opportunity to create instability in the industrial sector.'
He also said: 'To protect workers' interests and maintain stability in industry, the path of conflict must be avoided and workers need to return to their workplaces.' He called for fair wages to be set for workers through discussion, keeping faith in the government-formed wage board.
The press conference demanded that the government ensure a reasonable and fair wage taking workers' cost of living into account. It also called for humane treatment of workers, avoiding the path of arrests, cases and repression against them.
Calling on factory owners and the administration to create a suitable environment for workers to return through discussion instead of conflict, the organisation's leaders said workers must be brought back to work not through fear or pressure, but by creating an environment of goodwill, respect and trust.
The press conference was attended by the organisation's joint conveners Shafiul Alam and Azizul Islam, along with leaders of various labour organisations.
