‘Salary Tk 20,000, compensation Tk 12 lakh’

The government should immediately fix the wages and amount of compensation in case of death, natural or accidental, of vessel workers on duty, said discussants at a programme yesterday.

Sadharon Nou Sramik Oikya Parishad, a platform for the rights of vessel workers, came up with this demand at a press conference at Dhaka Reporters Unity.

Leaders of the organisation also warned of a movement if their demand is not met in 15 days.

The speakers said the government set the salary at Tk 7,700 and compensation at Tk 2 lakh through a gazette in 2016. But it has already been six and a half years since it was increased.

Monirul Islam, member secretary of the platform, demanded a monthly salary of Tk 20,000 and compensation upon death at Tk 12 lakh.

Presiding over the function, Mohammad Mohiuddin, convener of Nou Sramik Oikya Parishad, said, "We will enforce a strike after November 28, if our demand is not met."

Leaders of Bangladesh Jahaji Shramik Federation, Nou Paribahan Sramik Federation, Bangladesh Noujan Sramik League, Bangladesh Noujan Sramik Karmachari Union, and Bangladesh Bulkhead Sramik Union spoke at the programme.