Khulna jute mill workers start 96-hour strike

Workers of state-owned jute mills in Khulna region started a 96-hour strike on Monday morning to press home their nine-point demand that includes payment of outstanding wages and implementation of the wage commission, reports UNB.

They are also enforcing a road blockade programme from 8:00am to 12:00pm, said Murad Hossain, a convener of Jute Mill Sramik League.

The workers took position at Natun Rasta, Shiromoni and Khan Jahan Ali Road in the morning, halting vehicular movement on Dhaka-Khulna highway, said Kazi Mostaq Ahmed, officer-in-charge of Daulatpur police station.

Besides, no train will leave Khulna railway station from 6:00am to 12:00am, said station master Manik Chandra.

Production at nine jute mills in the region remains suspended following the strike.

Earlier, the jute mill workers observed a 72-hour strike by blocking roads and rail routes to press home their nine-point demand from 2-4 April.

Later, they announced the fresh programme of 96-hour strike.

The workers will hold discussion meeting in front of the gate of the jute mills on 25 April and will announce next programme, said the convener.

The workers resumed protests from 31 March as their demands were not fulfilled by the government within their stipulated time.