Bangladesh mission steps in to resolve workers’ plight

Aerofoam Manufacturing Sdn Bhd workers during a recent strike outside the factory in Klang, Selangor.

PETALING JAYA: A bedding manufacturer in Klang is working to resolve a dispute involving about 100 workers following intervention by the Bangladesh High Commission.

A spokesman for the high commission told FMT that officials met Aerofoam Manufacturing Sdn Bhd’s management on Monday, after which the company pledged to address workers’ concerns, including unpaid wages and the withholding of passports.

“It was a positive meeting as the management made a serious commitment to settle all outstanding matters by the end of this month.

“In a letter of commitment we received yesterday, the company said it needed six weeks to raise the funds required to settle all unpaid wages.

“But all other issues will be addressed with immediate effect,” he said.

In the letter sighted by FMT, the company said it was in the advanced stages of a property transaction, the proceeds of which would be used to settle all outstanding dues.

“The above is our foremost priority. We respectfully request a period of three to six weeks to finalise the transaction and fulfil these obligations,” the letter said.

Aerofoam said all employees would be provided with monthly payslips detailing wages and deductions.

The company also outlined several immediate measures, including returning workers’ passports for safekeeping, improving living quarters, enhancing medical and transport services, and ending the practice of deducting employee deposits.

On recruitment fees, Aerofoam said the charges were imposed by third-party recruitment agents in Bangladesh and were neither collected by nor paid to the company.

“The company did not benefit from these fees.

“Notwithstanding the above, we are open to further dialogue on this matter and are willing to explore ways to assist our employees where feasible,” it said.

Aerofoam also pledged to uphold workplace dignity and workers’ rights at all times, saying it does not condone forced labour, verbal abuse, humiliating treatment, or psychological harassment.

The company said it had appointed a dedicated officer to handle employee grievances and ensure open communication between management and workers.

FMT has reached out to Aerofoam for comment.