Khulna: Khulna divisional inland water transport owners’ group has not agreed with the declaration of Shipping Minister Shajahan Khan regarding the minimum wage for vessel workers.

The owners warned that they would stop water transport business if any gazette is published following the declaration of the shipping minister.

The group came up with the announcement at a press briefing at Khulna Press Club on Wednesday.

Vessel workers were on strike from 20th April demanding government and owners’ step to fulfil their 15-point demand.

Shipping minister Shajahan Khan met the vessel owners and union leaders in his ministry on Tuesday to decide on the demands made by the workers.

The workers withdrew the strike on Tuesday night following a decision on increasing minimum wages of workers.

Bangladesh Vessel Workers Federation leader Ashiqul Alam Patol following the meeting ended at 10:00pm told media that they decided to end their strike as the government pledged to pay Tk 10,000 minimum wage for workers of Ka category vessels, Tk 9,500 for workers of Kha category vessels, and Tk 9,000 for workers of Ga category vessels.

The owners, however, disagreed with the proposal and left the meeting without making final decision.

At the press conference on today, Khulna divisional inland water transport owners’ group secretary general Saiful Islam in his written speech said, ‘The shipping minister unilaterally declared the minimum wage for the workers and formed a committee for forming a pay scale for other staff.  Owners left the meeting as they were not happy with the decision.’

Saiful Islam demanded that the minimum wage be fixed at Tk 7,200. Otherwise, if any notice is issued based on the declaration of the shipping minister, the transport owners will stop their business.