By Md Mizan Khan: The leaders of the Unilever Employees’ Union organized a gate meeting and human chain at the entrance of the Kalurghat factory of Unilever Bangladesh Limited to press for the implementation of their long-standing demands.
The workers’ primary demand is the implementation of the 5% annual basic salary increment as per the gazette issued by the Minimum Wage Board for the Soap and Cosmetics industry on November 27, 2024.
Union President Md. Abdul Jalil Mondal, General Secretary Md. Jamal Uddin, and Assistant General Secretary Siraj Sikdar addressed the gathering. They stated, “Unilever Bangladesh Limited is one of the largest consumer goods manufacturers in the country, yet workers are being deprived of fair wages. We hope the authorities will promptly fulfill this legitimate demand.”
The workers’ demands:
1. Implementation of the 5% annual wage increment announced by the government.
2. Greater support from the company to improve workers’ living standards.
3. An end to arbitrary show-cause notices and suspensions.
4. Respect for the rights of the Employees’ Union.
5. In addition to the 5% increment, immediate reinstatement of the five unfairly suspended CBA leaders.
Unilever Bangladesh Limited has not yet provided any response on the matter. However, workers have warned that if their demands are not met, they will be compelled to escalate their protests with larger programs.
