AI Technicians declare indefinite strike demanding recruitment and wages; service halted amid 9 months of unpaid allowances
Govt Artificial Insemination Services for Livestock to be Shut Down Nationwide from July1!
AI Technicians (AIT) have announced an indefinite countrywide suspension of government artificial insemination services for livestock improvement, effective from Wednesday (July 1). The announcement was made during a press conference organized by the Bangladesh Livestock AI Technician Welfare Association at the National Press Club on Tuesday (June 30), demanding immediate recruitment and wage regularization.
Artificial Insemination (AI) technicians have declared an indefinite nationwide strike, halting all government services related to livestock breed development starting tomorrow, Wednesday (July 1), to press home their demands for official recruitment and regular wages.
The announcement came during a press conference organized by the Bangladesh Livestock AI Technician Welfare Association at the National Press Club at 11:30 AM on Tuesday (June 30).
Speaking at the press conference, the central president of the association, Md. Azad Hossain, said, "Previously, our protests were suppressed with assurances of outsourcing recruitment for 5,272 AI technicians working at the union level across the country. Since that promise is now stuck in legal complications, we have no choice but to launch an indefinite strike. We will not return to government duties until a clear wage structure is formulated and implemented through any official method."
In response to reporters' queries, he added, "We demand employment, whether it is through outsourcing, the revenue sector, or on a daily basis. We want our rightful wages. Once wages are guaranteed, we will return to work."
Leaders highlighted their crucial role in the country's self-sufficiency in meat and dairy production, noting that cows now produce 20 to 30 liters of milk daily largely due to their unpaid efforts at the union level. Following prolonged movements, they were granted a meager allowance of BDT 500 in 2016 and BDT 2,000 in 2019. However, even that allowance was completely stopped in June 2024, leaving 9 months of dues unpaid. Technicians have been serving the Department of Livestock Services (DLS) for 3 to 30 years without a proper salary, and their livelihoods are now severely endangered.
The acting general secretary of the association reiterated that the indefinite strike regarding livestock breed development will commence on July 1 and continue until their demands are met.
The press conference was also attended by the executive president of the association Md. Masud Karim, organizational secretary Abdul Kaiyum, and other central leaders.
//DBTech/DMI/DHE//
