TNZ factory workers return to work after 3-day protest

Workers of the factories of TNZ Apparels Limited in Mogorkhal area of Gazipur joined their work today (16 November) following their blockade of the Dhaka-Mymensingh highway for three days demanding arrears. 

The factory was closed for 23 days due to worker dissatisfaction over wages. 

The workers were paid one month's salary on 14 November. Later, the factory owner issued a notice stating that the factory will be open from today. 

One of the workers, Najma Begum, said they were paid one month's salary as promised. 

"We joined work. There is no discontent among us, we are working with sincerity," she said.

Maksudul Rahman Chowdhury, executive director of the factory, said, "The workers have joined work today. Now there is no more problem in the factory. They are working very sincerely in a peaceful environment."

Protests erupted on 9 November at 9:30am when about 2,000 workers from TNZ Apparels blocked the Dhaka-Mymensingh highway in Gazipur, demanding the payment of their outstanding wages. This caused severe traffic disruptions on both the Dhaka-Mymensingh and Dhaka-Tangail highways, affecting goods transportation and causing significant public suffering. 

The protests lasted for three days, after which labour ministry Secretary AHM Shafiquzzaman announced government intervention to pay the workers.

An agreement was reached between the government and employers during a tripartite meeting at the labour ministry, attended by 31 labour representatives, Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) leaders, and ministry officials. 

The agreement stipulated that the workers' September salaries would be paid by 17 November and October salaries by 30 November. It was also decided that the TNZ Apparels factories would reopen immediately.