Garment workers demand holiday on May Day

National Garment Workers' Federation (NGWF) yesterday demanded that all garment factories should be closed on May 1 to commemorate the historic May Day and express solidarity with the struggle of working people throughout the world.

During a meeting at the city's Muktangon, speakers warned against any attempt to compel garment labourers to work on the day like last year.

"If necessary, workers will force closure of factories on that day and the authorities will have to take the responsibility for any unpleasant situation," they said.

NGWF leaders said despite extensive publicity, 49 garment factories remained open on May 1 last year. Written complaints were submitted to Bangladesh Garments Manufacturers and Exporters Association and to the Office of Factory Supervision.

After the meeting, a rally of a several hundred labor leaders and workers carrying red flags marched through Shaheed Noor Hossain Square, GPO, Baitul Mukarram, Gulistan and Paltan Crossing.