Jute mills workers’ hunger strike rolls into 4th day; 585 fall ill

At least 585 workers of nine state-run jute mills in Khulna fell sick as they continue their fast-unto-death for the fourth consecutive day today to force the government to accept their 11-point demand, including implementation of the wage commission and payment of regular wages.

Among those who fell ill so far, 306 workers are from Platinum, 177 from Star, 76 from Crescent and four from Khalishpur jute mills, our Khulna correspondent reports quoting sources at different labour organisations.      

Between yesterday afternoon and this morning, 14 workers – eight from Platinum, four from Star and one each of Crescent and Khalishpur jute mills -- were admitted to hospitals, the correspondent says.

Of them, nine were rushed to Khulna Medical College Hospital while five others to different private clinics.

Besides, 41 workers have been given saline. Of them, 22 are workers are of Star, 14 of Crescent and five of Platinum jute mills.

Workers of nine state-owned jute mills had gone on work abstention and observed fast-unto-death from December 10 to December 13.

Abdur Sattar, 55, a worker of Platinum Jute Mills, died at Khulna Medical College Hospital (KMCH) during the strike on December 12.

Later the workers postponed their hunger strike until December 17 upon assurance from the state minister for labour of fulfilling their demands.

On December 27, Collective Bargaining Agents (CBAs) and non-CBA Songram Parishad leaders announced to resume hunger strike unto death from a meeting held in the city as the promise was not fulfilled.

The protesters' demands include cancellation of public-private ownership of jute mills, allotting necessary fund for jute sector and others.