Tannery Workers Demand Decent Working Conditions

The tannery employees wanted a better working environment at the Savar center for the tannery industry as well as a special hospital for the treatment of illnesses brought on by tannery-related occupational risks.

They said that the lack of a special hospital for emergency care exacerbates the issue and forces workers to endure a variety of long-term afflictions.

The TWU and Bangladesh Labour Rights Journalists Forum convened a joint consultation meeting on Monday in a hotel in Dhanmondi, Dhaka, at which the demand was made.

The workers also claimed that there are no rules, no basic standards for labor rights, such as appointment letters, or adequate working conditions, housing, medical facilities, or leisure opportunities.

Despite the fact that these requirements are crucial for assuring the productivity and welfare of workers in export-oriented businesses, they are not present since there is no formal governmental regulation.

In addition, they said that because there are no homes, schools, or other services, workers must drive everyday from Hazaribag to Savar Tannery Estate, losing four to five hours in the process.

Despite being the second-highest industry in terms of foreign currency earnings, most workers miss the chance to advance their skills because of insufficient training facilities. Workers are now requesting a training center to advance their abilities in order to solve this problem and deal with the automated technologies.