BATB workers demand permanent jobs, abolition of contract system

Workers of British American Tobacco Bangladesh (BATB) have staged a human chain and demonstration in Kushtia, demanding permanent employment for those engaged in permanent-nature jobs and the abolition of the contractor and outsourcing system.

The workers held the programme from 10am to 1pm today (23 August), surrounding the regional office of the Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments (DIFE) in Kushtia.

Around 200 workers and leaders of the Labour Welfare Union, including field technicians and office staff from BATB's Chechua, Allahar Dargah, Meherpur and Chuadanga leaf regions, took part.

The workers alleged that despite performing permanent-nature duties at the company for years, they remained deprived of the benefits enjoyed by permanent employees, including job security, salaries and other benefits.

"We work for the company throughout the year. So we should be appointed permanently under the company rather than through contractors," said field technician Samiul Islam.

Another field technician, Ariful Islam, said they had filed a complaint with the labour department around two months ago, citing alleged violations of labour laws.

Workers said many of them had been working for BATB for 10-12 years or more and were now being threatened with job termination for protesting.

Farhad Wahab, deputy inspector general of the Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments in Kushtia, said the department had received the workers' written complaint and formed an investigation committee.

"Many of the protesting workers have been working for 10-12 years or more. It will take some time to investigate and verify the matter. We expect to receive the report within the next few days, after which necessary action will be taken," he told The Business Standard.