Factories Resume as Workers’ Demands Are Met

Most factories have resumed production, bringing an end to the ongoing unrest in the garment industry. The unrest subsided in the industrial area of Ashulia after the workers' 18-point demands were accepted, leading the majority of workers to return to work. However, due to unresolved issues related to wages and other problems, 19 factories remain closed.

On Wednesday, September 25, workers were seen returning to factories in areas such as Palli Bidyut, Baipail, Jamgara, Narsinghpur, Nishchintpur, Zirabo, and Ghoshbagh in Ashulia.

Confirming the workers’ return to work, Mohammad Sarwar Alam, Superintendent of Industrial Police-1 in Ashulia, spoke to the media.

He said that most garment workers have returned to work, though 14 factories in Savar and Ashulia remain closed under Section 13(1) of the Labor Law 2006. Additionally, five factories are observing a general holiday.

Key Highlights:
Production Resumes: Most garment factories in Ashulia have resumed operations after resolving worker unrest
18-Point Demand Accepted: The BGMEA accepted an 18-point demand from workers, leading to the return of a majority of the workforce
Remaining Closures: 19 factories, including 14 under labor law restrictions and 5 observing holidays, remain closed due to wage disputes and financial issues
Worker Return Confirmed: Industrial Police confirmed that workers have rejoined most factories, with production restarting in key units like Ha-Meem, Sharmin, and Nasa
Unresolved Factories: Some factories are still closed due to lack of notice and failure to engage in discussions with workers
Uplifting Sentiment: The resolution brings relief to the industry, with hopes of full recovery as ongoing concerns are addressed

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Factory authorities have kept these factories, mostly garment manufacturing units, closed due to financial constraints and unresolved wage-related issues. Among the closed factories are also three to four non-garment units producing leather goods and food products.

He further mentioned that on Tuesday, the BGMEA (Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association) accepted the workers' 18-point demands, leading to the return of workers from Wednesday morning. Production has resumed in several factories, including Ha-Meem, Sharmin, and Nasa in Narsinghpur, Ashulia. However, some factories remain closed for monitoring the working conditions. Workers at a knitwear factory named Knit Wear resumed work but later held a strike over their demands.

Khairul Mamun Mintu, Legal Secretary of the Bangladesh Garments and Sweaters Workers' Trade Union Center, said that the workers' 18-point demands were accepted during a meeting with authorities yesterday. However, the factory authorities were supposed to post notices at the gates to inform workers of the acceptance of demands and their return to work. The factory owners were also asked to meet with workers to discuss the situation. Workers in factories where the owners were cooperative have already returned to work.

Mintu added that production has not yet resumed in several factories because no notice was given, and the owners have not engaged in discussions with the workers.