Kushtia BAT factory reopens as deadlock ends thru consensus with workers

The impasse at the Kushtia leaf processing factory of British American Tobacco (BAT) Bangladesh has finally ended upon realising a key demand of the seasonal workers and reaching a consensus with them.

The factory resumed operations today (22 May) after remaining shut for nearly a month due to the work abstention of its seasonal workers.

The workers pressed 22 demands, including wage structure, overdue share of company profit and appointment letter, and demonstrated in front of the factory over 27 consecutive days since 23 April.

During the period, the workers and BAT Bangladesh authorities sat in meetings initiated by Kushtia Deputy Commissioner, Taufiqur Rahman, in several phases.

"Both parties moved toward a respectful solution in the larger interest of the country's economy. As a result, the factory operations resumed on 22 May," says a BAT Bangladesh press release.

The combined efforts of all seasonal workers, farmers, and stakeholders have made it possible to resolve the instability and reopen the factory," it reads.

Expressing satisfaction at the factory's reopening, workers said one of the five main demands from the 22-point grievances has been realised, while implementation of four other demands depends on a relevant lawsuit.

As per the media release, the workers credited the Kushtia DC for his role in settling the dispute with the factory authority, adding, "It has been possible as the workers and the factory authority have reached a consensus."

Previously, on 17 April, the labour and employment ministry asked BAT Bangladesh to accept the demands of the seasonal workers within three working days. Later, a case was also filed at the Khulna labour court against four officials of the company, including the managing director.