Without waiting for an announcement by the wage board, the owners should immediately increase the workers' wages by 30 per cent as a token of their sincerity to address the problems, the Skop leaders said at a press briefing at the Jatiya Press Club auditorium yesterday.

The leaders also demanded removal and punishment of the DEPZ executives who connive with the owners and mid level management of the factories to harass and deprive the workers.

Low wages against unbearable price hike, long work hours, absence of weekly holidays, attacks by police and hired goons on the workers' peaceful procession, and death of workers have incited the workers movement, the Skop leaders said.

The garment workers, deprived of the right to form trade unions, did not get any chance to settle their wages by bargaining and now they have become difficult to control, said Dr Wazedul Islam Khan, the coordinator of Skop.

As they have no lawful leaders, they do not want to listen to anybody, Dr Wazed said, adding, "Even most of the workers from the EPZ do not know us and about the Skop."

He called upon the workers to be disciplined in their movement and not to destroy properties.

The Skop leaders demanded the right of trade union in the garment units in and outside the DEPZ, eight-hour work period in the factories, weekly holiday as per the labour law, providing identity cards to workers, overtime wages, maternity leave, and withdrawal of cases.

They urged the government, investors, and owners to ensure these to bring a peaceful environment in the garment sector.

Sangjukta Sramik Federation President Md Mokhlesur Rahman, Sramik League Executive President Shajahan Khan MP, Sramik Dal President Abul Kashem Chowdhury, and Shafikur Rahman Majumder, among others, were present at the press briefing.