Workers' strike, protest in Mirsarai over 14-point demands
Mirsarai (Chattogram) Correspondent
Workers of Modern Syntex Limited, located in the Bangladesh National Special Economic Zone in Mirsarai, Chattogram observed a temporary work stoppage and protest starting at noon to press for their rights and a 14-point demands on Saturday.
The workers joined their duties but gathered in front of the main gate of the Modern Syntex factory, raising slogans to demand their rights.
Roni, a worker in the quality department, stated, “We work 12 hours a day without any overtime pay. We toil day and night, but we are not paid fair wages. That’s why we are observing a temporary work stoppage today, and our movement will continue until our demands are met.”
Another worker, Sayed Bhuiya, said, “Our demands include salaries as per the government gazette, an 8-hour work shift with the remaining hours counted as overtime, and all government-mandated holidays must be provided. Our wages and working hours should be determined according to the government gazette. We have submitted our 14-point demands in writing.” The workers have halted work and taken a position at the factory gate.
When contacted, Yasir Arafat, the Human Resources Manager of Modern Syntex, said, “Since morning, some workers have suddenly stopped work and gathered at the main gate. We have requested them to discuss their demands and resolve the issue. Until 12 PM, they did not respond to our call. If the workers sit for discussions, we will consider the reasonable aspects of their demands.”
Tapan Saha, OC of the Industrial Police Station at the Bangladesh National Special Economic Zone, said, “Since Saturday morning, a section of Modern Syntex factory workers has been stationed at the factory gate to press their demands. No untoward incidents have occurred in the factory area. Our industrial police personnel are on alert at the site.”
Roni, a worker in the quality department, stated, “We work 12 hours a day without any overtime pay. We toil day and night, but we are not paid fair wages. That’s why we are observing a temporary work stoppage today, and our movement will continue until our demands are met.”
Another worker, Sayed Bhuiya, said, “Our demands include salaries as per the government gazette, an 8-hour work shift with the remaining hours counted as overtime, and all government-mandated holidays must be provided. Our wages and working hours should be determined according to the government gazette. We have submitted our 14-point demands in writing.” The workers have halted work and taken a position at the factory gate.
When contacted, Yasir Arafat, the Human Resources Manager of Modern Syntex, said, “Since morning, some workers have suddenly stopped work and gathered at the main gate. We have requested them to discuss their demands and resolve the issue. Until 12 PM, they did not respond to our call. If the workers sit for discussions, we will consider the reasonable aspects of their demands.”
Tapan Saha, OC of the Industrial Police Station at the Bangladesh National Special Economic Zone, said, “Since Saturday morning, a section of Modern Syntex factory workers has been stationed at the factory gate to press their demands. No untoward incidents have occurred in the factory area. Our industrial police personnel are on alert at the site.”
