Waterway workers threaten strike
Water transport workers yesterday threatened to go on a strike for an indefinite period from the early hours of January 9 across the country, if their 16-point demand, including further revision of their wage structure, is not met by that time.
Bangladesh Noujan Sramik Federation leaders told a press conference in Dhaka Reporters Unity.
"Despite repeated requests, the government did not pay heed to our demands. So, there is no alternative to observing work abstention," said Chowdhury Ashiqul Alam, general secretary of the federation.
Their other demands include ensuring the workers' security on waterways, maintaining navigability of rivers and a diplomatic initiative for permission to land on Indian territory.
Following the workers' strikes thrice between November 8, 2009 and May 15, 2010, the government on June 28, 2010, revised the wage scales for water transport workers, fixing Tk 2,190 as minimum basic wage and Tk 6,720 as maximum.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel.
Comments