Workers of Ettade Jeans Limited returned to work on Wednesday afternoon after the factory authorities assured them that the ownership would remain unchanged, following a morning road blockade that disrupted traffic in Chattogram’s Aturar Depot area.
The workers took to the streets on Wednesday after rumours spread that the factory was being sold to another company. They demanded three months’ compensation based on the rumoured sale, blocked Muradpur-Oxygen Road and caused severe congestion, leaving commuters and office-goers stranded.
Chattogram Industrial Police-3 Superintendent Mahmuda Begum told TIMES that uncertainty among the workers was triggered by the ownership transfer rumours.
“The Industrial Police had been working on the issue for the past few days. The factory authorities had earlier assured the workers that there would be no change in ownership. However, doubts continued to persist among the workers, prompting them to take to the streets,” she said.
Police held several rounds of discussions with both sides. Factory authorities gave a final assurance that the factory would continue operating under its existing ownership.
Clarifying the wage issue, SP Mahmuda Begum said the workers did not have any regular outstanding salaries. However, there was a four-day work stoppage last month, and the workers were not paid wages for those four days. During discussions, the authorities agreed to pay wages for those four days.
Workers calmed down in the afternoon and left after their shift ended. They subsequently resumed work, and the overall situation returned to normal, police said.
Earlier in the day, operator Nasima had told TIMES: “The garments have been sold without informing us. Because of this, we have to be paid three months’ salary. Besides, we have other salary and allowance-related demands.”
Factory management had disputed the arrears claim. Assistant Manager (HR) Rashed Shikdar said salaries had been paid up to July and that the owner had not decided to close the factory. He said the protest was triggered by rumours.
The factory is owned by Azizul Islam Khan and employs around 800 workers. It is a member of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association. The owner could not be reached for comment.
Trade Union Center Chattogram District Committee President and former Labour Reform Commission member Tapan Dutta said workers are entitled to four months’ termination benefits if a factory is closed, as per the Bangladesh Labour Act, 2006. They are also entitled to gratuity, provident fund dues and earned leave payments.
