The agitating tannery workers on Wednesday called for a half-day work abstention on September 04 if their demands including job security, accommodation and medical facilities at Savar tannery state are not met before the deadline. They said they will also arrange processions and rallies on September 01 and September 03 in the city’s Hazaribagh area. They announced their programmes at a press conference organised by Tannery Workers Union in cooperation with Bangladesh Labour Welfare Foundation (BLF) held at the National Press Club. The press conference was attended, among others, by the chairman of the BLF Abdus Salam Khan, President of Tannery Workers Union Abul Kalam Azad, Central president of Trade Union Sahidullah Chowdhury and General Secretary of Tannery Workers Union Abdul Malek. Speaking on the occasion Abdus Salam Khan said supports from the government and owners will motivate the workers to witness the potentials of this most budding sector. “We workers are always distressed, neglected and dominated. We request all of you to support 0.5-0.6 million workers to get their basic rights and contribute to one of the most potential sectors of the country,” he added. Abdul Malek said skilled workforce is the life of the country’s tannery industry. Only these skilled workers can ensure the speedy development and accelerate growth of the sector. “Without meeting the needs of the workers this potential sector can be fruitless and investment of the government and entrepreneurs also can be ineffectual,” he added.
