Over 25,000 jute mill workers demonstrate in Khulna for arrears

Some 25,000 workers of eight state-owned jute mills in Khulna-Jessore industrial belt have been observing work abstention since Thursday to press home their 11-point demand including payment of arrears.

Under the banner of Collective Bargaining Agent (CBA) and Non-CBA Oikya Parishad over 20,000 workers yesterday demonstrated in Khalishpur industrial belt area of Khulna city.

The eight out of nine state-owned jute mills in Khulna region, which remained closed since Thursday are Daulatpur, Khalishpur, Crescent, Platinum, Star, Aleem, Eastern, and JJI and Carpeting jute mills.

The demands include paying arrears (one to three months) to some 35,000 workers, 20 percent dearness allowance, allocation of adequate fund for smooth operation of the mills and removal of corrupt officials from the administration.

Sohorab Hossain, general secretary of Crescent Jute Mill of CBA, told The Daily Star that they have not got any assurance from the government yet. The workers would wage a tougher movement, he said.

The CBA leaders urged Bangladesh Jute Mills Corporation (BJMC) to fulfill their demands.