Greetings from the National Garment Workers Federation (NGWF), Bangladesh.
On 8th July, we organized a garment workers' token hunger strike in Dhaka. This was organized as a mark of protest. There are 4 major labour disputes ongoing:
1. Onyx Knitex in Dhaka on which 250 workers were working. On 14th June, Management closed the factory with out discussion with the workers, federation, government or BGMEA (Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association ). The wage and overtime payment of the month of May was not paid. There is also the question of the salary of the month of June and compensation against factory closer. NGWF filed the complain to the BGMEA on 15th June.
2. On 14th March, management of Benson Apparels in Dhaka fired 97 workers. NGWF made a complaint to the BGMEA on 25th March. There is no negotiation.
3. On 14th December, management of Riz Fashion in Dhaka fired 28 workers. After a complaint by the NGWF, there was a negotiation in the BGMEA in presence of the director of Riz Fashion. According to the negotiation, management is supposed to pay outstanding wages, overtime payment and compensation. However the management has so far not made the payment.
4. On 24th December, management of Aditi Apparels in Dhaka fired 27 workers. After a complaint by the NGWF, there was a negotiation in the BGMEA in presence of the Aditi management. Management has not yet paid the outstanding wages and compensation.
These 4 complaints have also been brought to the attention of the government. All 4 factories are members of BGMEA. NGWF organized this hunger strike to urge the government and the BGMEA to take the necessary steps immediately.
