The jute workers of Khulna area have suspended their agitation programme and joined their work on three conditions. With this, the mills have begun operation after 16 days.
The workers took the decision on Tuesday (May 21) after meeting Khulna district administrator, Md Helal Hossain.
Convener of the Bangladesh Jute Workers League of Khulna-Jashore, Md. Murad Hossain, says: “The movement has been suspended on conditions that the wages commission will be implemented by May 22, two weeks arrear pay will be paid in the running week and all other arrear payment will be made by the next one week.”
Khulna district administrator Md. Helal Hossain, says: “The unpaid wages of workers which comes to around Tk 600 million will come directly to their accounts.”
The workers had been agitating since Mar 13 on 9 point demands including, payment of gratuity, reinstatement of terminated workers, payment of wages and appointment to vacant posts.
On Apr 7 last, Bangladesh Jute Mills Corporation (BJMC), pledged to pay dues and wages by Apr 18.
On Apr 25, state minister for labour Munnujan Sufian took an additional one week but when the wages were not paid on May 2, workers went on strike from May 5. From May 13, the agitation began all over the country.