Prime mover and trailer workers in Chattogram called off their three-day strike following assurances from labour leaders during a meeting with the deputy commissioner of police (port) of Chattogram Metropolitan Police (CMP) on Friday night. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Port) Badrul Alam Molla said, "We discussed six key demands with the labour representatives and assured them of necessary steps to address their concerns. As a result, they have withdrawn the strike and returned to work." The strike was initially sparked by a clash on February 4 between the guards of the Faujdarhat DC Park in Sitakunda and goods transport workers over parking issues. In response, the ‘Chattogram Prime Mover-Trailer Sramik Union’ enforced a work stoppage, disrupting the transportation of goods, including containers at the port. After a 23-hour strike, the workers briefly resumed operations upon receiving assurances from the Chattogram district administration. However, on February 5, they resumed the strike upon discovering that the DC Park remained open, contrary to their demands. Amid continued disruptions, the deputy commissioner of police (port) held discussions with five representatives of the labour organisation to resolve the deadlock. 496 foreign commercial ships docked at Mongla Port in 7 months Following the meeting on Friday evening, the workers agreed to withdraw their strike and resume operations after receiving further assurances regarding their demands. Md Kayes Chowdhury, Joint General Secretary of the Chattogram Prime Mover-Trailer Sramik Union, stated, "Our five leaders attended the meeting at the port police lines. We expect a resolution as our demands have been accepted and are being documented."

Fuel collection from three depots in Khulna and its supply to 16 districts under Khulna division resumed on Wednesday morning following the withdrawal of the indefinite work abstention enforced by Khulna divisional tank-lorry workers’ union. The union’s treasurer Mizanur Rahman said they called off the strike early Wednesday after the district administration assured of meeting their demands. workers started lifting fuel and supplying it to the districts at 8am, he said.Earlier on Sunday afternoon, the workers went on an indefinite work abstention protesting the arrest of union general secretary Ali Azam in a sabotage case and demanding his release. Tank Lorry workers struck work in Khulna to protest union leader's arrest As a result, the fuel lifting from the depots and supply to refueling stations came to a halt across the division. Detectives arrested leader Azam on Sunday and handed over to Khalishpur police station. He is an identified accused in the sabotage case filed on August 21 last. Protesting the arrest, the workers refrained from loading fuel from Padma, Meghna and Jauma depots.

Transport workers at the Barishal Rupatli Bus Terminal have called for an indefinite strike in protest of an attack and vandalism by students of Government Brojomohun, Barishal (BM) College over a dispute concerning half-fare payment. The strike, which began at 8pm on Tuesday, has led to the suspension of bus services on 19 routes across five southern districts, causing significant inconvenience to passengers. Barishal Traffic Department Inspector Bidyut Chandra Dey said that bus operations from the Rupatli Bus Terminal had been suspended and that both police and military personnel were present at the scene to restore order. Anwar Hossain, general secretary of the Barisal Divisional Bus Owners Group, condemned the incident, saying that conflicts could have been resolved through meetings, but instead, the terminal was unexpectedly attacked. Students and bus staff come to blows over half fare in Barishal He added that bus services would not resume until the matter was properly investigated. The workers have demanded the arrest of those responsible for the attack, as well as assurances regarding the safety of bus owners and workers. According to the workers, ten individuals from two groups sustained injuries during the incident. The incident unfolded earlier in the afternoon when a student from the BM College requested to pay half fare on a bus traveling from Barishal to Jhalakathi. The bus helper reportedly refused, sparking an argument. In response, BM College students gathered at the bus terminal to protest. Tensions escalated into clashes, with students allegedly vandalising the bus workers' union office, damaging five buses and injuring seven workers.

Passengers went on a rampage at Rajshahi railway station on Tuesday morning in protest against the strike enforced by Bangladesh Railway's running staff to press home their demands including special post-retirement benefits. Hundreds of passengers vadalised chairs, tables and other valuables at a TTE room and several chairs at the station. On information, army personnel rushed to the spot and brought the situation under control. The aggrieved passengers returned home after taking back train ticket money from counters. Moreover, those who booked tickets online were refunded through mobile phone. Read: Train communications halt nationwide after talks on extra benefits fail Demanding punitive action against the train employees, one of the Dhaka-bound passengers Anwar Hossain questioned why the strikers didn’t raise the demand to the previous government. “The staffers operated the trains even in hartals during the previous government and why they are holding passengers captive now?”  

Railway Affairs Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan has urged railway running staff to call off their strike, assuring them that discussions with the Finance Division are ongoing to address their demands. “Demands are understandable, but holding passengers hostage by halting train services is regrettable,” he said while talking to reporters at Kamalapur Railway Station in the capital on Tuesday morning. Train communications halt nationwide after talks on extra benefits fail Fouzul Kabir said that the Railway Ministry does not have the authority to resolve the issue independently. “The matter lies with the Finance Division, and discussions are in progress. We are confident a resolution will be reached soon.” The strike, initiated by railway running staff from 12 PM on Monday (Jan 27), has paralysed train operations nationwide. Karwan Bazar Railway: The go-to place for illegal drugs in Dhaka On Tuesday morning, Kamalapur Railway Station demonstrated an unusual scene of silence, with the normally bustling ticket counters eerily quiet. Passengers, many unaware of the strike, arrived at the station only to face immense difficulties. Families travelling to destinations such as Mymensingh, Netrokona, Rajshahi and Cox’s Bazar were left stranded in the cold winter morning. Bent rail tracks: ‘Banalata Express’ avoids accident Several travellers expressed their frustration, highlighting the lack of prior communication about the disruption. “We had no idea the trains wouldn’t run. Now we are stuck here with no alternative arrangements,” one passenger lamented.

A group of female students of Dhaka University have observed hunger strike demanding necessary measures to end their accommodation crisis.                                     They gathered in front of the Vice-Chancellor’s residence at 11 am on Monday and started hunger strike. The demands of the students include allocating 100% seats for them starting from the first year, abolishing the "Ghonoroom", managing temporary accommodation until new female halls are established and constructing new female dormitories inside the main campus. SUST students protest against discriminatory quotas and high fees Allowing non-resident female students to enter the female halls, cancelling the doubling system for beds, shifting  Kuwait-Maitree and Bangamata halls to the main campus by constructing new buildings are among their demands. University’s Pro-Vice Chancellor Sayma Haque Bidisha, met with the protesting students. The students ended their hunger strike at 4 pm upon assurance from the Pro-VC. Teachers should be honored with the highest status: Hasnat Abdullah Sadia Sultana Promi, a student of the Department of Sociology said, "The university administration has reassured us. They have promised to sit with us on Thursday. However, we have told them that we expect a decision. If our demands are not met, the female students will lay siege to the Vice-Chancellor's residence on Thursday afternoon."

In solidarity with the Bangladesh Shipping Workers Federation, workers at Baghabari Port in Shahjadpur, have launched an indefinite strike in response to the recent murder of seven people aboard a ship on the Meghna River in Chandpur.  The strike, called by the Bangladesh Shipping Workers Federation, began at midnight on Thursday, similar to strikes across the country. As a result, operations at Baghabari Port have come to a standstill. The workers are demanding strict punishment for those responsible for the murder of the seven staff of the MV Al Bakhera ship, Tk 20 lakh in compensation for the families of the deceased, and greater safety for waterways. 7 murdered on cargo vessel: Bodies handed over to families, probe committee formed Abu Daud Master, president of the Baghabari Launch Labour Association, said that operating a ship cannot be done by a single person. He stated that the tragic murder appears to have been planned, and there may be others involved who must be identified and brought to justice. Labour agent Dulal Hossain added that no ships are currently arriving at Baghabari Port due to the strike, leaving around 700 workers without employment. Baghabari BIWTA Deputy Director Asaduzzaman said that the authorities have been alerted about the situation. He assured that action would be taken based on the higher authorities’ decision.

Delivery drivers for Amazon and baristas at Starbucks staged strikes in multiple U.S. cities this past week, aiming to pressure the companies to recognize their unions or negotiate inaugural labor contracts. The strikes, which began on Thursday and Friday, come during the holiday season—a critical period for economic activity—providing workers with greater leverage. Organized labor has seen notable victories this year, with major concessions won by unions representing Boeing workers, dockworkers, and Las Vegas hospitality employees. However, Amazon and Starbucks workers continue to face challenges in securing their first contracts. Biden approves National Security Memo to assist Trump on key global issues Amazon drivers and warehouse employees, many of whom have voted to unionize, remain unrecognized by the e-commerce giant. The Teamsters union, which represents many Amazon workers, announced strikes at seven delivery stations in cities including Los Angeles, New York, and Atlanta. Additional strikes are planned at a major New York warehouse, which voted to unionize in 2022. The Teamsters are advocating for higher wages, better benefits, and improved safety measures, citing economic insecurity faced by employees despite Amazon’s valuation of $2.3 trillion. Amazon has countered these claims, highlighting its $22-per-hour base wage and recent pay increases for subcontracted drivers. The company disputes the union’s representation of its workers, arguing that delivery drivers are employed by contractors rather than Amazon directly. The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has challenged Amazon’s stance, filing a complaint in September that classified drivers as joint employees of the company. The NLRB has also accused Amazon of failing to negotiate with the Teamsters over drivers at a California delivery hub and has criticized the company for refusing to bargain with unionized warehouse workers. Trump brings chaos back to Washington by attempting to kill bipartisan budget deal with Musk's help At Starbucks, contract negotiations have been ongoing but remain unresolved. Starbucks Workers United, representing employees at over 500 U.S. stores, claims the company has failed to honor its February pledge to finalize a labor agreement by year-end. The union launched strikes in Chicago, Los Angeles, and Seattle, with actions spreading to Denver, Pittsburgh, and Columbus over the weekend. Labor leaders say dozens of stores are now affected, with strikes potentially escalating to hundreds by Christmas Eve. Union representatives criticized Starbucks’ proposed contract, which includes no immediate wage increases for unionized workers and only a 1.5% raise in future years. Starbucks, meanwhile, has defended its pay and benefits package, claiming baristas working 20 hours a week earn up to $30 per hour in total compensation. Trump taps immigration hard-liner Kari Lake as head of Voice of America The strikes at Amazon and Starbucks reflect broader labor unrest that gained momentum during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting economic inequality and frontline worker challenges. While some organizing efforts, including campaigns at Apple and Trader Joe’s, have succeeded, securing contracts has proven difficult. Experts suggest the urgency of these strikes is heightened by political developments. President-elect Donald Trump is expected to appoint a Republican-majority NLRB, which could make union efforts more challenging. Trump’s recent nomination of Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer, a Republican with union support, to lead the Department of Labor has sparked speculation about how his administration will approach labor issues. As holiday season strikes escalate, the outcomes may shape the future of labor relations at two of America’s most prominent consumer brands.

Workers at seven Amazon facilities went on strike Thursday, an effort by the Teamsters union to pressure the e-commerce company for a labor agreement during a key shopping period. The Teamsters said the workers, who voted to authorize strikes in recent days, joined picket lines after Amazon ignored a Sunday deadline the union set for contract negotiations. The union called it the largest strike yet against the company in the U.S., although Amazon said it did not expect the labor action to impact its operations. The International Brotherhood of Teamsters claims it represents nearly 10,000 workers at 10 Amazon facilities, a small portion of the 800,000 workers employed in the company's U.S. warehouses. The union hasn't said how many workers would participate in the strike or how long the walkout would last. “Amazon is pushing its workers closer to the picket line by failing to show them the respect they have earned,” Teamsters General President Sean O’Brien said in a statement. The strikes happening Thursday are taking place at seven delivery stations, where packages are prepared for delivery vehicles and then given to contractors who drop off them off to customers every day. They include three locations in Southern California, and one each in San Francisco, New York City, Atlanta, Georgia, and Skokie, Illinois, according to the union’s announcement. Two people were taken into custody at the demonstration in the New York City borough of Queens, according to the New York Police Department. Police did not say why the arrests were made. They said the individuals were given criminal court summons and then released. Nissan and Honda Explore Collaboration, Dismiss Merger Speculation The biggest warehouse affiliated with the Teamsters is located in the New York City borough of Staten Island. In 2022, thousands of workers at the warehouse, known as JFK8, voted to be represented by the nascent Amazon Labor Union. Workers then choose to affiliate with the Teamsters this past summer. The National Labor Relations Board certified that election to unionize, but Amazon has refused to bargain on a contract. In the process, the company has filed a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the labor board. At the facilities striking Thursday, workers unionized with the Teamsters by demonstrating majority support but without holding government-administered elections. They include Amazon-employed warehouse workers in San Francisco, and subcontracted delivery drivers elsewhere. Under labor law, companies can recognize unions without elections being held, but the practice is rare, said John Logan, director of labor and employment studies at San Francisco State University. Amazon workers in more locations are “prepared to join” the fight, the Teamsters said, noting that employees at the Staten Island warehouse and at a company air hub in California also have authorized strikes. When asked about the strike Thursday, Amazon spokesperson Kelly Nantel said: “What you see here are almost entirely outsiders, not Amazon employees or partners, and the suggestion otherwise is just another lie from the Teamsters.” “The truth is that they were unable to get enough support from our employees and partners and have brought in outsiders to come and harass and intimidate our team, which is inappropriate and dangerous,” Nantel said. Seattle-based Amazon has said it does not consider delivery drivers like the ones on strike to be its employees. Under the company's business model, the drivers work for third-party businesses, called Delivery Service Partners, who deliver millions of packages daily. Amazon has accused the union, which says it represents some of the drivers, of “intentionally” misleading the public. “This is another attempt to push a false narrative,” Nantel said. But the Teamsters have argued Amazon essentially controls everything the drivers do and should be classified as their employer. U.S. labor regulators have sided with the union in filings made before the NLRB. In September, Amazon boosted pay for the drivers amid the growing pressure. Though Amazon says it does not expect the strike to impact its operations, a walkout — especially one that lasts many days — could delay shipments in some metro areas. Shares of Amazon.com Inc. rose about 1.3% Thursday but were slightly down in after-hours trading.

Lawyers in Chattogram went on a two-day strike on Wednesday to protest the killing of lawyer Saiful Islam Alif amid clashes among members of law enforcement agencies, lawyers, and followers of Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, spokesperson of Sammilita Sanatani Jagaran Jote. The court activities remained suspended since morning and the lawyers gathered on the court premises to demand the immediate arrest of the perpetrators, said witnesses. Besides, thousands of people joined the namaz-e-janaza of Saiful Islam on the court premises at 10 am and at Jamiatul Falah National Mosque ground at 11:30 am. A protest rally was staged where lawyers voiced their outrage and sought justice for their slain colleague. Land Affairs Adviser AF Hassan Ariff, Chattogram City Corporation Mayor Dr Shahadat Hossain, Jamaat-e-Islami Chattogram Metropolitan Ameer Shahjahan Chowdhury, Anti-Discrimination Student Movement Coordinator Hasnat Abdullah, Sarjis Alam, Russell Ahmed, and Talat Mahmud Rafi, among others, joined the protest rally. Later, leaders from various political parties and student coordinators described Hindu religious organisation ISKCON as a fundamentalist militant group and demanded an immediate ban on ISKCON's activities in Bangladesh. Read: 33 arrested over lawyer murder, violence in Ctg They warned of continued protests if their demands are not met. Lawyer Saiful Islam was killed amid clashes among police, lawyers and supporters of former ISKCON leader Chinmoy Krishna Das on Tuesday after the court rejected the leader’s bail in a sedition case. Witnesses said unidentified people took him to nearby Jangal Cinema Lane on the ground floor of the court, beat him up and then hacked him to death. The unrest began when thousands of his followers of Chinmoy gathered on the court premises and obstructed the prison van carrying him, demanding his immediate release.