‘We were attacked by gangsters’

Nurul Abser en A. M. Nazim Uddin, trade union leaders in Bangladesh

Top: A.M. Nazim Uddin, Bangladesh Metal Workers Federation (BMF) and bottom: Nurul Abser, Bangladesh Metal Chemical Garments and Tailors Workers Federation (BMCGTWF). 

First impressions

Shocked by the situation at the shipyard

A.M. Nazim Uddin, ‘During the Shipbuilding and Shipbreaking World Conference in 2015, I managed after a great deal of effort to arrange an official visit to a shipyard. That was the first time I was able to see the situation firsthand, and I was shocked. Walking in mud up to their knees, a small group of workers were transporting multiple tons of iron sheets on their heads from one place to another. Some of them fell, gasping for air. I wouldn’t have believed it if I had not seen it with my own eyes.’

Nurul Abser, ‘It was quite a challenge to get access to the shipyard for the first time. I tried in all sorts of ways to speak to the workers, but they were afraid. To get them organised, we had to proceed carefully.’

A.M. Nazim Uddin

Biggest obstacle

Attitude of the shipyard owners, the government and the police

A.M. Nazim Uddin, ‘Organising shipbreakers was very tricky, owing to the resistance put up by the shipyard owners as well as the attitude of the government and the police. Our organisation had to endure a lot. We were attacked by hired gangsters, while a senior trade union official was taken to court and harassed by the police on several occasions.’

Nurul Abser, ‘I regard shipyard owners as the biggest obstacles because they have a great deal of power. For example, the hourly wage paid to workers is far too low, as a result of which they are forced to put in very long hours. In addition, shipyard owners can dismiss their shipbreakers from one day to the next.’

Breakthrough moment

Organising the Shipbuilding and Shipbreaking World Conference

A.M. Nazim Uddin, ‘The biggest success for me and our organisation BMSF was[CF1]  to organise the Shipbuilding and Shipbreaking World Conference in 2015. In particular, the official visit paid by local and foreign trade union leaders to a shipbreaking yard was a highlight.’

Dismissed workers reemployed

Nurul Abser, ‘With the help of our organisation, fifty to sixty workers, who had been dismissed by Motaleb Steel, were reemployed and paid wages in arrears. This was a true milestone for the BMCGTWF.’

Personal contribution

Safety training

Nurul Abser, ‘We organise training courses, among other things, to make shipbreaking safer, and the FNV has supported us in this through IndustriALL Global Union. For example, we make members aware of the significance of wearing personal protective gear, and also advise all workers not to work at night.’

‘We also provide safety training. Moreover, in cooperation with the FNV, we have organised protest marches and information sessions, and submitted memoranda to the government.’

Nurul Abser

Effect of the Hong Kong Convention

Shipbreaking yards safer and greener

Nurul Abser, ‘Owing to the Hong Kong Convention, many shipbreaking yards have been converted into green shipyards. Working has also become safer, working hours have been somewhat reduced, salaries are paid in a more timely manner, and workers more often have access to clean water and a place to eat and rest.’

A. M. Nazim Uddin, ‘Although it is on a small scale, shipyard owners are increasingly complying with the rules laid down in the convention. For example, we see more employers ensuring that shipbreakers wear personal protective gear.’

‘We were locked in a cow shed’

Nurul Abser:

‘We were put under pressure when one of the shipyard owners discovered that a trade union was being set up. At one point, along with two other people, I was even locked in a cow shed. Fortunately, in the end we managed to resolve the situation with the help of the trade union leaders.’