DACCA: The representatives of the labour organisations again met the Martial Law authorities for the second day today [Oct 17] to discuss the problems of the textile mill workers.

The mill workers have been abstaining from their duties since last Wednesday on the question of implementation of the minimum wages of the workers on the basis of the demands of the labour organisations. Twenty of the 38 textile mills of East Pakistan are affected by the workers’ abstention from work.

The workers of Chittaranjan Cotton Mills resumed their work yesterday after a day’s stalemate following the settlement between the labour organisation and the management. Some of the mills however remained closed for a Hindu festival. When contacted, the Director of Labour told the [agency] that the door of negotiation for the settlement of the dispute was open. The Labour Directorate which is now closed for the Puja vacation is likely to take up the issue after the vacation. — Agency

[Meanwhile, according to an agency in Lahore,] The representative of workers organisations in the public sector met Governor Air Marshal Nur Khan today [Oct 17], and placed before him their problems, it was officially stated. The group had a frank discussion with the Governor who told them that their problems were already being looked into.

Published in Dawn, October 18th, 2019