Patenga private ICD operations on 4-day standstill over wage dispute of 2 resigned workers

The transportation of goods at the Vertex Offdock Logistics Service has remained suspended for the past four days due to a dispute over the wages of two resigned workers.

As a result, operations at the private inland container depot (ICD) in the Katgarh area of Chattogram's Patenga have come to a complete standstill.

Since the strike began on 3 May, at least 350 export containers — mainly carrying ready-made garments, leather products, and other industrial goods – could not be delivered to the Chattogram Port.

In addition, over 100 import containers remain stuck at the port, unable to be transported to the depot.

Depot authorities stated that delays in container movement have caused several export shipments to miss schedules, risking order cancellations and financial penalties for exporters.

Imran Fahim Noor, managing director of Vertex Offdock Logistics Service Limited, told The Business Standard, "This entire depot, with about 500 workers, has been paralysed by the actions of just 60 transport workers. Who will bear the losses caused by undelivered export goods?"

The depot management has submitted written complaints to the Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) and the director of the Divisional Labour Department, explaining the reasons behind the ongoing strike.

According to the complaints, the dispute originated from the resignation of two drivers. One, Md Wasim, resigned with a two-month notice after 4.3 years of service. The other, Md Anwar, resigned with one month's notice, despite the requirement for a two-month notice period, after working for 3.2 years.

Both were entitled to arrears in wages, food and overtime allowances, and accrued leave benefits, which the company claims it is committed to settling in due time.

However, acting under the directive of Md Abul Khair, general secretary of the previous executive committee of the Prime Mover Workers Union, prime mover operators launched a strike at 10pm on 3 May. They also blocked the operation of vehicles belonging to other contractors.

Depot owners allege that workers are now making unreasonable demands beyond the scope of existing labour laws. "Strikes without prior notice at such a critical logistics hub severely disrupt the country's import and export infrastructure," an official said.

In response, Md Abul Khair told TBS that the strike was a rightful protest aimed at securing fair compensation and clarity in employment terms. "We are demanding that appointment letters explicitly state compliance with labour laws and that all helpers and drivers receive their lawful wages and benefits."

He confirmed that a meeting was held this evening (7 May).

"If the authorities accept our demands, we will call off the strike," he added.

When asked about the damage caused by the missed shipment of 350 export containers, Khair said, "This loss is the result of the owners refusing to meet our just demands."