Jordan may go tough on agitating workers
Jordanian authorities may take stern actions against around 300 Bangladeshi workers who have been on strike since August 31 protesting cutbacks in wages and irregular payments by a garment factory in that country.
Strike in Jordan is illegal and if a labour strike continues for 10 days, workers automatically become illegal, Bangladesh Ambassador to Jordan Golam Mohammad said when contacted over telephone on the 10th day of the strike yesterday.
The envoy said they had negotiated with the Jordanian government and factory authorities, and reached a solution, which was endorsed by the striking workers. But the workers now are raising new demands.
"Jordanian labour ministry is now watching reaction of the workers and will 'act' in a day or two," he said.
The workers of MRAI Apparels, a garment factory in Al Bunayyat area of Jordan, began the strike protesting deduction of 25 Jordanian dollars (JD) from their basic monthly wages of JD 110 ($150) as charges for meals, accommodation and medical facilities.
Golam Mohammad said as soon as they came to know of the strike, they held talks with the Jordanian labour ministry and factory authorities, and finally came to an agreement that the factory would cut JD 10 a month instead of JD 25.
"We are absolutely happy over the negotiation with the authorities here. The workers also signed the newly agreed cutbacks. But, some Bangladeshi labour leaders here are raising other issues to instigate the workers. This is causing problems," he said.
A few labour leaders whose 3-year job contracts are about to expire are behind these demands, he said without specifying the demands.
One of the striking workers told The Daily Star over telephone yesterday they demanded that JD 10 should not be cut from their wages if they do not work overtime and that workers whose contracts expired be provided free air ticket to return home. But these were not met.
He also said the factory authorities did not allow the workers to go out of their hostel yesterday, saying police would arrest them if they go out.
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