Protests, strike over minimum wage disrupt production at Savar tanneries

A workers' strike to press for the immediate implementation of the minimum wage declared by the government has disrupted production in Dhaka’s Savar Tannery Industrial Zone.

From 8:00am to 12:30pm on Saturday, tannery workers gathered outside various factories in the BSCIC Leather Industrial City, observing a work stoppage under the banner of the "Tannery Workers’ Union". The protests disrupted operations across the industry.

The workers warned that they would escalate their protests if their demands were not met.

"In other industries, the minimum wage was implemented right after it was announcement. But even though the government has set the minimum wage for tannery workers at Tk 18,001, factory owners have yet to enforce it," said Arif Molla, a tannery worker.

"Instead of taking action, they are delaying the process with excuses. That’s why we have no choice but to protest."

Another worker, Ruhul Amin, highlighted the tough working conditions in the industry.

"We work in a physically demanding industry, yet our wages remain extremely low. Supporting our families has become increasingly difficult. If the factory owners implement the five-grade wage structure declared by the government, we will return to work. But if our demands go unmet, we will have no choice but to intensify our protests."

Expressing anger over delayed wages, Shahidul Islam, a Tannery Workers’ Union executive committee member and Reliance Tannery employee, said: "What are we supposed to do? Today is Mar 15, and we still haven’t received our salaries. We are observing Ramadan and we need money for food and daily expenses. Not only are they refusing to increase our wages, they’re also failing to pay on time. How are we supposed to survive?"

The protest comes amid ongoing discussions between tannery owners, the Bangladesh Tanners’ Association, and labour representatives. The strike was part of a growing push for minimum wage implementation, with protesters gathering outside factories across the industrial zone.

Sakhawat Ullah, general secretary of the Bangladesh Tanners’ Association and director of Salma Tannery, confirmed that negotiations were ongoing, adding: "We have been in discussions with the workers. A meeting has already been scheduled for Mar 17 between labour union representatives and factory owners."

"We even sent them an official letter about the meeting. The workers knew that discussions were planned, yet they still chose to hold a half-day strike today."

Production resumed after the protest ended at 12:30pm.

Apart from the minimum wage, tannery workers outlined several key demands, including the strict enforcement of labour laws in all factories, issuance of appointment letters and photo ID cards for all workers, and increased transparency and accountability in labour inspections by the authorities.

They also called for an end to the practice of hiring temporary workers for permanent jobs, the abolition of illegal contractors acting as middlemen in recruitment, and protection against unfair termination and layoffs of experienced workers