No work, no pay, says Saifur’s son-Garment factory owners back out from deals signed May 22

No work, no pay, says Saifur’s son-Garment factory owners back out from deals signed May 22
News From Bangladesh
Monday June 05 2014 09:16:04 AM BDT

All the factories in Dhaka Export Processing Zone have been declared closed from Sunday for indefinite period following fierce clashes between two groups of workers on Saturday in a latest outbreak of industrial unres, reports UNB.

“ No work, no pay should be the basis of closure,” Kaiser Rahman, member of Bangladesh EPZ Investors Association (BEPZIA), told a hurriedly called media briefing at Hotel Sonargaon in the afternoon.

The owners’ side came up with the announcement after locking out their factory workers amid the fresh violence that reportedly left around 150 people wounded, including some cops

Making the announcement, Kaiser Rahman, son of Finance and Planning Minister M Saifur Rahman and vice-president of FCI factory, said any agreement signed since May 22 onward was clearly signed “under duress and in conditions of coercion, and must be considered to be null, void, and invalid”.

He also said the law, titled EPZ Workers Association and Industrial Relations Act 2004, quite clearly establishes those points which may be negotiated during the WRWC phase, ending October 31 this year. Any points for negotiations not permitted by the law should not receive any consideration.

Earlier in the day, the BEPZIA also sent a letter to the Prime Minister in this regard. In the letter, which was signed by BEPZIA chairman Kihak Sung, they said that, unfortunately, the situation has “dramatically” worsened since May 22. About 38 factories have been attacked from outside, vandalized, looted and their officers and management personnel assaulted, including the foreigners.

“ Today the situation is worse, and outside thugs are demonstrating, attacking and vandalizing. In the circumstances, factories are closing down. If these unlawful acts are not booked and curbed immediately, all units would be constrained to cease their operations.

“Should that happen, not only will it be an economic disaster in addition to investor’s loss, but also nearly 75,000 of workers would lose gainful employment or be forced to work in less favorable situation. Incidentally, workers in DEPZ are earning much more than outside RMG units,” the owners noted in their letter to the PM.

BEPZIA chairman in the letter said that ensuring security of life and property of investors is government’s solemn commitment to investors. “Sadly, the recent events have proven otherwise, with or without the presence of adequate security forces.”

At the press conference, Kaiser Rahman said that they need a peaceful solution not only for the investors but also for the 75,000 workers of DEPZ.

He also accused BEPZA authority of their repeated failure to provide them adequate security.

“ Perspective has compelled us to take the decision of closing DEPZ units sine die. It is not our choice, but the problem is the security of our workers and management,” he told the newsmen.

Replying to a query, he said they have no objections to introducing trade union in the exclusive economic zone, DEPZ. “But these trade unions should not be loyal to any political party.”

Meanwhile, the government suspended three DEPZ officials — GM Kamal Akhter, industrial relations officer KM Ahsanullah and security officer Rezaul Karim – for their negligence of duty and formed a inquiry committee, led by Local Government Secretary SM Zahirul Islam to probe today’s incidents, according to a PID handout.

It said the government also urged all, including owners, workers and other concerned, to work together to keep up the momentum of export. Eds: pick up here from our earlier stories from Savar and Gazipur