Hundreds of jute mill workers block Jatrabari intersection

Hundreds of jute mill workers have blocked Jatrabari intersection in Dhaka city bringing to a half traffic movement on Dhaka-Chattogram highway this morning, demanding their outstanding arrears.

They say they have been forced to take to the streets as authorities of Latif Bawani Jute Mills and Karim Jute Mills have not been paying their wages for eight weeks leaving them to live a miserable life.

The workers wielding sticks have taken position on the Jatrabari intersectioin since 8:30am, according to local media reports. This resulted in huge traffic jam on the highway.

Though they have been demonstrating for the payment of their arrears, they also demand implementation of the National Wage Commission 2015.

Meanwhile, UNB reports, a strike, enforced by workers of nine jute mills in Khulna region, is underway demanding payment of their dues.

Production of the jute mills remains suspended.

The workers will also observe a road blockade programme from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm this day, said Md Murad Hossain, convener of Jute Mill Workers League of Khulna-Jashore region.

The workers of Platinum Jute Mill halted production around 6:00 pm on Sunday and then workers of other jute mills in Khulna and Jashore suspended their production.

Workers’ wages of 11 weeks and other employees’ salary of four months remained unpaid.

Earlier, it was decided in a meeting with the Ministry of Jute and Textiles and Bangladesh Jute Mills Corporation that the outstanding wages of the workers will be paid within April 25. But the promise was not fulfilled.

In Khulna region, on April 2, workers of the state-owned jute mills observed a 72-hour strike to press home their nine-point demand.