Workers' forum demands justice, compensation for shipbreaking yard accident victims

The Shipbreaking Workers Trade Union Forum today (19 September) held a rally in Chattogram and submitted a memorandum to three government ministries, demanding compensation and improved safety measures in response to the tragic explosion at the SN Corporation Green Ship Breaking Yard on 7 September.

The accident claimed the lives of six workers and left six others seriously injured.

The memorandum, which was handed over to additional district commissioners, was addressed to advisers from the Ministry of Labour and Employment, Ministry of Forests and Environment, and Ministry of Industry.

The forum demanded compensation of Tk25 lakh for the families of the deceased workers, alongside medical treatment and financial support for the injured until their full recovery, according to a press release.

Key figures in the forum, including convener Tapan Dutta, joint convener AM Nazim Uddin, and Advocate Zahir Uddin Mahmud, were present during the submission. The rally preceding the memorandum was moderated by Fazlul Kabir Mintu, and attended by various labour leaders and safety advocates.

During the rally, labour leaders voiced their frustration, citing negligence on the part of the shipyard owner as a primary cause of the fire. It was revealed that a smaller fire had occurred on 5 September on the same vessel, yet no preventive actions were taken, leading to the fatal accident two days later.

In addition to compensation, the workers demanded regular wages for all employees during the yard's closure, in accordance with the Labor Law, as well as stricter enforcement of labour safety standards. The forum raised concerns about unsafe working conditions and non-compliance with labour laws, including the lack of appointment letters, proper breaks, and safety measures.

The local administration has promised to forward the memorandum to the respective ministries and ensure that the workers' demands are heard. An investigation committee will also be taking the workers' perspectives into account.

The rally concluded with a strong call for justice, urging the government and shipbreaking industry to take immediate action to protect the lives and rights of workers in this hazardous sector.