Workers seek Tk 30,000 minimum wage, six-month maternity leave, justice for slain colleague Toufiq, and an end to workplace harassment and blacklisting.
Garment workers have raised a new set of nine demands aimed at ensuring their rights, financial security and better working conditions. The demands include justice for slain worker Toufiq, a minimum monthly wage of Tk 30,000, six months of maternity leave, and an end to harassment and abuse in the workplace.
The workers have also called for accountability for law enforcement personnel and political activists accused of using force to suppress labour protests, as well as reforms to labour laws that they say allow employers to act arbitrarily against workers.
The nine demands are as follows:
1. Justice for Toufiq’s killing
Those involved in the killing of worker Toufiq must be arrested and brought to a speedy and fair trial. The workers have insisted that there must be no theatrics or manipulation surrounding the arrests or judicial proceedings.
2. Prosecution of those who used force against workers
Law enforcement personnel who used force against workers during legitimate protests must be identified, their names published, and those responsible brought to justice.
3. Action against political activists involved in violence
Members of political parties outside the law enforcement agencies who allegedly took to the streets with sticks and weapons to suppress labour protests must be identified and prosecuted, the workers have demanded.
4. Minimum monthly wage of Tk 30,000
The workers have demanded a minimum monthly wage of Tk 30,000, insisting that no amount below this figure would be acceptable. They want the new minimum wage to take effect from December 1, 2026.
5. Six months of maternity leave
Maternity leave must be extended to six months from the existing 120 days. The workers have also demanded that existing financial benefits be maintained and the full amount be paid before the leave begins.
6. End to worker blacklisting
The practice of blacklisting workers must be abolished, the demands state.
7. Distribution of 5% of profits among workers
The provision under labour law requiring the distribution of 5% of profits among workers must be implemented. The workers have called for the cancellation of exemptions granted to export-oriented factories from this requirement.
They have further demanded that workers receive their share of profits from the previous fiscal year along with their December salaries.
8. Repeal of Section 13 of the Labour Act
The workers have demanded the removal of Section 13 of the Labour Act, arguing that it allows factory owners to shut down factories arbitrarily, leaving workers deprived of wages and other benefits.
9. New safeguards against termination
The workers have called for an end to the provision allowing employers to terminate workers by paying notice pay equivalent to 120 days of basic wages. They want decisions on such matters to be made through the Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments.
The workers said implementing the nine-point charter would help secure their legitimate rights, strengthen their financial security and ensure dignity and fair treatment in the workplace.
Dhaka, 4th November
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