RMG workers demand dignity at workplace

Bangladesh Garment Sramik Sanghati yesterday demanded sexual harassment-free and fear-free workplace, where they can do their jobs with dignity.

The workers' organisation made a 10-point demand and rallied in Ashulia on the outskirts of the capital yesterday, ahead of International Women's Day.

Addressing the rally, Bangladesh Garment Sramik Sanghati President Taslima Akhter said workers are often harassed by garments officials with an excuse of failing to fulfil production targets.

"Using swear words to women workers has become frequent nowadays, and it's being treated as sexual harassment. Incidents of other sexual harassment are also coming in different researches," Taslima said.

Women working in garment factories have been suffering from different health complications including malnutrition and anemia, she said, blaming their low wages for a lack of better healthcare.

The workers' leaders said the impact of automation is increasing factories, and many workers are losing jobs.

"There was a time when 80 percent workers were women; it has now come down to 60 percent," she said.

The organisation's demands include forming anti-sexual harassment cell in every factory; stopping harassment and using swear words at factories over failure to fulfil targets; setting up medical treatment facilities for workers at every factory; stopping forceful over-time duty at night and sacking workers due to over-time; ensuring proper leave facilities; suitable job training; day-care at factories; ensuring compensation for worker's death or illness; and ensuring workers' right to join trade union.

Bangladesh Garment Sramik Sanghati's General Secretary Julhasnain Babu, Organisational Secretary Aminul Islam Shama and Nari Sanghati's General Secretary Aparajita Chanda also spoke at the programme.