Workers in Bangladesh protest over months of unpaid wages

Over 700 former garment workers have staged a sit-in demonstration for the second day in Bangladesh’s capital, Dhaka. The strike has been organised in demand for their payment.

In March, the workers former employer A-One BD Ltd., closed its site as the pandemic forced many brands to shut down. Irrespective of the touch times over 1100 site workers were compensated.

The group hasn’t gained support from the site owner, Italian businessman Alessandra Ferry, or the authorities. No one has taken accountability to support the group of workers. Banners held by the protesters read “We cannot provide for our families”.

Over the past few days, hundreds of former site employees have descended to support the protest. The protest is gaining momentum and the workers have endured a sit-in of over six hours. The workers demand a resolution, with ten months of arrears thus far evading them. The money could provide a lifeline for many.

Asraf Ali, a former employee, stated that these past 10 months had been difficult times for them and the sit-in programme would continue until they received their dues.

When the authorities were questioned they stated that the workers would receive some financial support, but only when the factory is auctioned off to create finances. Abdus Subhan, the general manager at DEPZ, stated that they were trying to pay the rest of their salary by auctioning the factory but a stay order from the HC on October 20 has stalled this process. He stated that the order was issued due to disputes with the bank.

The authorities have stated that once the dispute comes to a conclusion the workers would receive around three and a half months’ wages.