Workers of two RMG factories on strike in Gazipur

Workers of two garment factories in Gazipur’s Konabari area went on strike today to press home various demands.
Employees of Islam Group and Tushka Group suspended works and gathered in front of their factory gates at 8:00am, reports our Gazipur correspondent.
Law enforcement agencies, including the Army, BGB, RAB, Industrial Police, and Gazipur Metropolitan Police, were present there to maintain order till this afternoon when the report was filed.
Sources indicate that Islam Group workers started the strike over a 21-point demand, while Tushka Group workers have 16 demands.
Workers of Islam Group said that they want certain individuals, including the factory manager, be dismissed due to alleged misconduct.
They are also demanding full-service benefits, 63 percent of the basic salary, and an attendance bonus of Tk 1,000.
The other demands include a tiffin allowance of Tk 50, a night shift allowance of Tk 200, and a five percent increase in annual salary.
On the other hand, Tushka Group workers’ have been demanding breaks for daily prayers, a 10 percent increase in annual salary, minimum 10-day and 12-day holidays to celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Azha respectively and two days for Durga Puja, and also sought holidays for Rabiul Awal and Biswa Ijtima.
Attempts to reach Tushka Group Director Tarek Hasan and Islam Group Admin Officer Rabiul Islam for comments were unsuccessful.
Gazipur Industrial Police-2 Konabari Zone Additonal Superintendent of Police Abu Taleb told The Daily Star that Islam Group employees are expected to resume work soon following discussions with the factory authorities.
While, Tushka Group workers remain on strike in front of the factory gates, with ongoing meetings between the management and employees.