Keya Group lays off 613 workers at four Gazipur factories

Keya Group has laid off 613 workers and employees at four garment factories in Gazipur after months of temporary work suspensions caused by banking problems and a gas supply cut, leaving hundreds of workers suddenly without jobs.

The layoffs took effect yesterday at the factories in the Konabari Jarun area of Gazipur city. A notice listing the names of those affected was put up at the factories' main gate on Monday evening.

Sabina Yasmin, manager of Keya Group's human resources department, confirmed the authenticity of the notice.

Workers who were on the lay-off list broke down in tears after seeing their names, with many saying they were now unsure how they would support their families as finding new jobs has become increasingly difficult.

The affected establishments are the Knit Composite Division, Spinning Division, Cotton Division and Keya Yarn Mills Ltd. According to sources, 613 workers and employees have been laid off.

Signed by the factories' managing director and chairman, the layoff notice said the company had decided to reduce production and administrative costs because of prolonged banking complications, the disconnection of gas supplies over unpaid bills, and an excess workforce.

As part of the move, the authorities decided to abolish some positions across different sections, departments and divisions and laid off workers and employees considered surplus. The move was implemented under Section 20 of the Bangladesh Labour Act 2006.

The factories had been under repeated lay-offs since 6 June. Although the temporary suspensions were extended several times, the authorities ultimately made the layoffs effective from yesterday.

The factory authorities said the affected workers would receive all their legal dues in accordance with labour law. They also said skilled workers who have been laid off would be given priority for re-employment if the factories recruit again.

For workers who have lost their livelihoods, however, the immediate concern is finding another source of income.

Swapna Begum, an operator in the sewing section who had worked at the factory for years, said, "Now that I have lost my job, the question is how I will support my family."

Nazrul Islam, another sewing operator who had worked there for about 10 years, said finding another job would be difficult. "Now that I have lost my job, I have no options. If I cannot find a new job for some reason, I will have no choice but to drive an auto-rickshaw," he said.

Keya's HR Manager Sabina said the workers would not have to wait long for their dues. "All lawful dues of the laid-off workers will be paid in accordance with labour law within the next 30 working days," she said.

Security has been tightened around the factories following the layoffs.

Mohammad Amzad Hossain, superintendent of the Gazipur industrial area under Industrial Police-2, said industrial police and Gazipur Metropolitan Police had been deployed at the factories' main gate to maintain law and order and prevent any disruption.