RMG workers clash among themselves

Two groups of workers of Mahbub Apparel Ltd in Ashulia, outside the capital, yesterday clashed on the factory premises over a demand for a salary hike, leaving ten injured.

Ashraful Islam, director (admin and HR), said a group of workers started demonstration on Monday, a day after they got their salaries, demanding more lunch and overtime bills, and attendance and production bonuses, and they even beat up a production manager and a security guard during a heated exchange.

The management is providing Tk 650 for lunch bill, Tk 10-15 (per hour) for overtime while Tk 300 for attendance bonus which is already more than what is mentioned in the government wage structure. But the workers are demanding twice as much.

According to the demonstrators, they usually get paid per piece produced but the production time fluctuates depending on fabrics. So, if their salary does not increase, it will be difficult for them to survive.

The injured including workers from both the demonstrating and pro-management groups took first aid at a local hospital. Production resumed yesterday after a daylong shutdown.

Additional police have been deployed in Pukurpar area.