About 8,000 workers of Keya Knit Composit Factory, a RMG unit of Keya group, have been observing work abstention protesting suspension of 37 workers of the factory. They have been observing work abstention since Saturday and demonstrated on the factory premises demanding re-appointment of suspended workers. As a result production activities of the factory are being hampered for two days.
Sources said 37 workers of the factory were allegedly suspended by the authorities for violating the factory law and irregularities in their duties. The authorities claimed that the suspended workers acted against the working environment of the factory. They were suspended after the Eid vacation of Ramzan. But the workers of the factory demanded re-appointment of the suspended workers. The workers also threatened to go for movement over the issue.
The workers said, on Thursday, the factory authorities called a meeting to solve the problem on Keya Cosmetic Factory premises. The authorities allowed only 20 workers from each section, but all workers wanted to present in the meeting. Later, the authorities decided another date on Saturday. But on Saturday, while the workers came to attend the meeting, the factory officials advised them for contact to the head office. Later, the angry workers observed work abstention for that day. At one stage, they attacked assistant general manager of Keya Spinning Mill Asaduzzaman and others officials of the factory and they assaulted them. On Sunday, the workers also avoided their duties and observed work abstention for their demands.
While contracted with deputy general manager (DGM) of Keya Knit Composit Factory RA Sohel said, 37 workers were suspended after paying their salary. BGMEA, industrial police and concerned authorities were informed about the matter. He said the factory authorities are investigating into the matter. Steps about re-appointment of the suspended workers will be taken after discussion with managing director of the factory. He also said that the factory remained closed for two days as the workers did not join their duties. As a result, production activities disrupted over the issue.
Additional police were deployed in front of the factory to avoid any unwanted situation.