Employees of the Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL) have announced a work stoppage citing six major demands that aim to improve working conditions and ensure fair compensation. The strike, called by employees from the 10th to the 20th grade, underscores the workers’ grievances concerning disparities in the salary structure which they claim does not equate to the national pay scale appropriately. Their demonstration at the Uttara depot underscores the urgency of their demands.
The employees’ demands include a restructuring of the salary scale to reflect a uniform rate across all grades, equivalent to 2.3 times the national pay scale, and the immediate implementation of service rules that include provisions for promotion and transportation facilities that ensure safety and security at all stations and depots. The lack of established service rules has left employees without many of the benefits available to other public sector workers, adding to their discontent.
This strike brings to light significant issues within the DMTCL regarding employee welfare and operational efficiency. The employees’ firm stance on their demands highlights the need for immediate action by the authorities to address these discrepancies to prevent further disruptions in Metro Rail services, which are crucial for the daily commute of thousands of city dwellers.