Workers of Amity Sweater factory blocked the Dhaka-Mymensingh highway for 45 minutes today, demanding the reopening of their workplace.
Gazipur Traffic Police Deputy Inspector Abdullah Al Mamun said that the highway was closed from 8:45am to 9:30am due to the blockade programme...CLICK TO READ THE FULL NEWS HERE▶▶
Later, they left the highway. As of 10:00am, workers were stationed in front of the factory.
“Traffic has been severely disrupted, with congestion stretching for at least 10 kilometres. This has caused immense sufferings to the passengers, though vehicles resumed movement after 9:30am,” he said.
Around 230-250 workers from the factory in Degerchala Gacha area of Gazipur city participated in the protest, which began around 8:00am.
Several workers told The Daily Star, “We are in a dire situation following the sudden closure of the factory. We were unaware that the factory would announce a lay-off. With no other option, we took to the highway to protest. Our demand is for the factory to reopen today.”
Gazipur Industrial Police Inspector Rajib Hossain said that the authorities of Amity Sweater had announced a lay-off yesterday. As a result, the factory was indefinitely closed.
Workers gathered on the Dhaka-Mymensingh highway this morning to protest after failing to enter the factory premises, he said.
Negotiation was ongoing among the industrial police, factory owners, and workers’ representatives to resolve the issue, he added.
The notice from Amity Sweaters Ltd reads, “This is to inform all officers, employees, and workers that due to a current lack of work, there will be a lay-off from 24/11/2024 as per the relevant section of the Bangladesh Labour Act. During the lay-off, workers will receive compensation in accordance with the law. There is no need for workers to personally attend the factory during the lay-off.”
Attempts to reach the Amity Sweater authorities for comment were unsuccessful.
