On Thursday, the management of numerous readymade garment factories in Gazipur and Ashulia announced an indefinite suspension of production, implementing the ‘no work, no pay’ policy in response to worker demonstrations advocating for a wage increase.
Reports maintained this adding in Gazipur and Ashulia, several thousand RMG workers clashed with the police on Thursday, pressing for a minimum monthly wage of Taka 23,000, as reported by police and eyewitnesses.
Workers revealed that the majority of the suspended factories invoked Section 13(1) of the Labour Act, which permits them to withhold wages during the suspension period.
Notices issued by the factory authorities claimed that workers were unlawfully absent from work, disrupting production, and necessitating the shutdown of their respective units until a favourable working environment was reestablished.
It may be mentioned here that the unrest began on 23rd October when workers started demonstrations in objection to a proposed minimum wage of Taka 10,400 presented by the owners’ representative to the Minimum Wage Board on 22nd October, which the Government formed.