Published :
Updated :
For all latest news, follow The Financial Express Google News channel.
Workers of Keya Group’s factory in Gazipur staged a protest on Monday demanding payment of dues and the cancellation of recent layoffs.
The workers started demonstration after they found a notice on the factory gates informing workers of their immediate termination, two months ahead of the previously announced date, UNB reports.
According to the notice, on December 31, the company had issued a 120-day advance announcement regarding the permanent closure of the factory, set for May 1. But due to unresolved banking complications, the factory management moved up the layoffs to March 1.
The notice also said that all dismissed workers and employees would receive their due payments within 30 working days following their termination.
Sabina Yasmin, Human Resources Officer of the factory, said, “We have followed legal procedures in the layoffs and assured workers that their salaries and benefits will be settled on time.
“We have laid off 2,203 workers, about half of our workforce. The rest are still employed. Now, the protesters are saying that either everyone will work, or no one will. Some outsiders are inciting the workers to create unrest. We want a peaceful work environment.”
As of 1 pm, the protest was ongoing, with workers continuing their demonstration outside the factory premises.
Law enforcement agencies were working to maintain order while industrial police were deployed to keep the situation under control.