Sick leave is every worker's right

Rimi is a member of a worker’s group. She has been working in a garments factory for about 3 years as an operator. For one week she was suffering from a high fever. She asked the factory management for sick leave; however, the factory management did not grant it to her. As Rimi’s fever worsened in severity, she was eventually hospitalized and was unable to go to work for 6 days. After six days, upon returning to the factory to work, her supervisor scolded her using inappropriate and unkind language and characterizations about Rimi as well as her parents. Rimi protested the use of her supervisor’s language and characterizations. Her supervisor felt annoyed that Rimi defended herself and protested against his use of language, pushed her and subsequently complained to the production manager against her. The Production manager called Rimi into his office and scolded her using impolite language demanding she signed a document saying she was re-joining, as she had been absent for 6 days. Rimi however did not want to sign it. She said “I have been working in this factory for nearly 3 years. So, why do you appoint me newly? I have appointment letter provided by you.” For this reason the Production Manager hit her and forcibly seized her ID card. He ordered her to get out from the factory and shoved her outside while keeping his hand around her neck. To this day, Rimi is jobless.

After attending a mobilization meeting as well as various other trainings/workshops organized by Jukta Hoe Mukta, Rimi learned that she must never put her signature on any document. She also learnt that taking sick leave is every worker’s right. 

Now Rimi wants to take legal action against the factory. She provided her appointment letter to the local staff which will support her with legal aid.