815 lose jobs in Ashulia factory layoff

Collected
In the notice signed by the factory's managing director, it said the ongoing coronavirus pandemic had led to cancellation of most its export orders, which forced them to lay off the factory from April 1 until May 30

An export oriented garment factory on Saturday was let go by its owners, triggering its 815 employees and staff, including 709 workers, to reduce their jobs.

A notice in this regard was posted morning hours on a single day outside the access of Sigma Fashion Ltd in Ashulia's Dhanaid area.

In the notice signed by the factory's managing director, it said the ongoing coronavirus pandemic had resulted in cancellation of all its export orders, which forced them to lay off the factory from April 1 until May 30, according to sections 12 and 16 of Bangladesh Labour Act 2006.

In addition, it forced the owners to terminate the jobs of all its factory personnel by April 18. Termination letters would also be sent to the permanent addresses of its personnel and other staff, all in compliance with sections 12, 16 and 20 of Bangladesh Labour Act 2006.

The notice also mentioned the dues of all staff would be delivered to their personal accounts by May 7.

Workers of the factory expressed shock at what they regarded as a sudden decision taken by the owners.

"Most of us are owed at least two months' wages, and also other benefits. If the factory was eligible to apply for funds from the government's stimulus package, maybe this decision wouldn't have already been taken," said Shova, among the terminated workers.

Jaane Alam, assistant superintendent of Dhaka Industrial Police-1, said there were restrictions on owners never to declare any factory layoffs, nevertheless they (police) had nevertheless received information on several factory layoffs.

The authorities were trying to convince the owners to withdraw the layoffs, he added.

Despite repeated attempts, officials of Sigma Fashion Ltd cannot be reached for comment.

In a statement issued on Saturday, Bangladesh Garment Sramik Shanghati considered Sigma Fashion's layoff as suicidal, adding it would jeopardize the lives of its employees who would not have the ability to seek employment elsewhere amid the federal government enforced countrywide shutdown.

The statement, jointly signed by its president Taslima Akhter, general secretary Julhas Nain Babu, and organizing secretary Aminul Islam Shama, urged the federal government to convince the factory owners not to declare any factory layoffs.
Source: https://www.dhakatribune.com

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