Jute mill workers go on indefinite strike

Workers of state-run jute mills started an indefinite strike across Bangladesh to press home their longstanding demands including payment of outstanding dues, reports UNB. 

The workers are set to block the roads and railways from 4pm to 7pm every day during the strike, said Md Murad Hossain, Convener of Jute Mill Workers League of Khulna-Jashore region.

Their demands include paying salaries and allowances, implementation of wage commission, sufficient fund allocation for jute sector, reappointing the sacked workers and making the appointments permanent.

Workers' wages of 11 weeks and other employees' salary of four months are overdue.

Meanwhile, State Minister of Labour Monnujan Sufian told a programme in the city that initiatives will be taken to pay workers’ dues within next week.

Earlier, it was decided in a meeting with the Ministry of Jute, and Bangladesh Jute Mills Corporation that the outstanding wages will be paid within April 25.

But the promise was not fulfilled, prompting the workers to hit the streets.