Factory closures leave 1,800 Bangladeshi workers anxious over jobs, dues

The permanent closure of Unique Washing & Dyeing and Unique Designers Ltd factories in Gazipur, Bangladesh, has left around 1,800 workers anxious about their jobs and unpaid dues. Authorities decided to shut down the facilities due to financial difficulties and other challenges, Mohammad Khalilur Rahman, additional superintendent of police for Gazipur Industrial Police, told The Daily Star.

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During the tripartite meeting, it was informed that the factory has remained closed since June 16. Following the closure, both parties agreed on several decisions regarding the payment of workers' service benefits, outstanding wages, and other legal entitlements.

A settlement regarding the payment of outstanding wages and other dues was reached during a tripartite meeting on Sunday. The meeting, chaired by Mohammad Amzad Hossain, superintendent of police for Industrial Police-2, Gazipur, included officials from the Industrial Police, the Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments (DIFE), and the Department of Labour. The factory owner's managing director, Farid Ahmed, and representatives from labor federations and worker groups also attended.

According to ASP Khalilur Rahman, the agreement stipulates that workers will receive their remaining wages for April and May. Officers and employees will also be paid all outstanding salaries. Additionally, workers will receive notice pay equivalent to 30 days' basic salary and service benefits calculated at 20 days' basic salary per year of service. Maternity benefits, accrued leave payments, resignation benefits, and funds deposited in various accounts will also be disbursed after verification.

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My home is in Sherpur. I was working at this factory while supporting my wife and children. Around 1,800 workers were employed in these two units. With the sudden closure, we have been left stranded.

All outstanding payments are scheduled to be settled in a single transaction on July 27. However, worker Billal Sohag expressed worry, stating, "We have heard that our dues will be paid on July 27, but we are still worried about whether we will actually receive them." He described the sudden closure as leaving workers stranded and facing difficulties supporting their families and children's education.

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I recently enrolled my son in the sixth grade, and now it will be difficult to continue his education. My wife is ill. I do not know what I will do next. We have heard that our dues will be paid on July 27, but we are still worried about whether we will actually receive them.

Shafiul Alam, president of the Gazipur Metropolitan unit of the Bangladesh Garments and Industrial Workers Federation, criticized the management's decision. "Despite the crisis over wages, allowances, and bonuses before Eid being resolved through tripartite discussions, the management chose to permanently close the factory instead of resuming operations," he said. "As a result, hundreds of long-serving workers have become unemployed."

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Despite the crisis over wages, allowances, and bonuses before Eid being resolved through tripartite discussions, the management chose to permanently close the factory instead of resuming operations. As a result, hundreds of long-serving workers have become unemployed.