Garments workers to submit memo to PM Sept 15

This was stated by the leaders of the council at a press conference in the city.

They said they will also place their demands to different ministries and government departments including Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) from September 11 to 14.

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The council will also stage demonstrations in Gazipur, Narayanganj, Savar and Chittagong on September 17, 24 and 30 respectively in support of their demands, the leaders added.

A national convention will be organised on October 8.

Amirul Haque Amin, coordinator of the council, said the garment workers work day and night, but they have no appointment letter, gratuity, provident fund or life insurance.

According to labour law, a worker is to work maximum six days a week and 10 hours a day including overtime, but they work about 14 to 16 hours a day and 7 days a week, he added.

Salauddin Swapan, a central committee member, said though more than 85 percent of garment workers are women, there is no maternity leave, transport arrangement or housing facilities for them.

The speakers said although their minimum wage is Tk 930 as per labour law, most of the factories pay them only Tk 800 which is the lowest wage in the world.