BAT contractual workers stage strike in Kushtia over 12-point demand

Contractual workers at British American Tobacco (BAT) Bangladesh's Kushtia Leaf Factory have gone on strike, demanding the fulfilment of a 12-point charter that includes wage increases and payment of overdue salaries.

The strike began at 6am today (15 June) at the factory gate located in the Chourhas area beside the Kushtia-Jhenaidah highway.

The workers, mostly seasonal hires employed through a contractor named Messrs Matiar Rahman, claim they are being subjected to discrimination and denied fair treatment.

"We are around 1,200 workers hired through the contractor, but we don't get fair wages or treatment. We've been voicing our demands for a long time, but they remain unaddressed," said Shaon, one of the striking workers.

"We will continue our protest until our demands are met," he added.

Another protesting worker, Ratul, said, "We get a monthly salary of just Tk10,500 for eight hours of daily work. This is not enough to support our families. We're struggling, and our wages must be increased. We will continue the strike and sit-in until the 12-point demand is fulfilled."

Repeated attempts to contact Akhtaruzzaman Akhtar, manager at Messrs Matiar Rahman, went unanswered.

When asked about the matter, Farzun Islam, general labour inspector at the Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments (DIFE) Kushtia office, said, "Today is the first working day after Eid, and we were not aware of the strike. We will investigate the issue seriously and take steps as per instructions from higher authorities."

Journalists were not allowed entry into the factory.

Speaking to The Business Standard, a BAT Bangladesh spokesperson said, "BAT Bangladesh is aware of the recent developments at the Green Leaf Threshing Plant in Kushtia concerning demands raised by the temporary workers employed by independent third-party contractors.

"BAT Bangladesh does not have any direct employment relationship with these individuals and expects relevant partners to resolve the matter responsibly and in accordance with applicable laws of the land."

Kushtia Model Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Mosharraf Hossain said, "Workers are observing a strike over various demands. Police are present at the location to maintain order."

The workers' 12-point demand includes a minimum monthly wage of Tk18,000 and an annual salary increment of 20%. They are also demanding a bonus equivalent to one month's salary, 16 hours' worth of overtime pay for duties performed on weekends and holidays, and the provision of two full sets of quality uniforms each year.

Additionally, the workers want a night shift allowance, full medical coverage along with salary during recovery in the event of workplace injuries, and the availability of quality snacks during all work shifts.

They are also seeking job security for the following season, a sustenance allowance equivalent to four months' salary at the end of each season, payment of all pending wages since 24 April 2025, and the opportunity to participate in company events.