Strike halts unloading of goods in Ctg

Workers with red flags observe an indefinite strike at Banglabazar on the bank of Karnaphuli river to press home their nine-point demands, including a wage hike. Photo: Star

Unloading of goods came to a halt at 16 private jetties on the bank of Karnaphuli river since yesterday, as the workers went on a work abstention on nine-point demands, including 50 percent increase of their wages.

At least 66 lighter vessels, including 16 anchored at the jetties, remained idle at Banglabazar and Majhirghat areas due to the protest, said Ataul Karim, an official of the Water Transport Cell, a private organisation that coordinates lighter vessels.

These vessels were loaded with wheat, lentil and fertiliser imported by different private and government firms.

The workers started the protest at 6am and later brought out processions.

Md Idris Ali Hawlader, convener of Chittagong Ghat Gudam Sramik Sangram Parishad, said they called on the workers to go for an indefinite strike to meet their demands.

In January 25, 2012, the contractors, who appointed the workers, made a deal with the Parishad with the promise of increasing the wages by 20 percent in every two years.

But they did not increase the wages in January this year, which prompted the workers to raise voice, Hawlader said.

“We have already sent letters to the Lighterage Contractor Association and Chittagong Chamber of Commerce and Industry. But none responded so far.”