based on Finavial Times report (Nov 18)
"Pakistan, the second largest exporter of jute and jute manufactures in the world, is facing a serious crisis in the industry as a result of a jute workers! strike that has lasted over a month. The strike has completely paralysed the industry in East Pakistan, where, except for five mills in Khulna, there has been a complete lock-out since October 12. The strike, involving some 90,000 employees, has alreajly.caused between 40 and 50 deaths in vilent clashes between various sections of the workers" (See previous issues of The Week, for a more adequate report on this aspect) "According to the Commerce Minister, Mr. Wahiduzzaman, the strike is causing a loss of production of jute goods of 850 tons a day....eThe present deadlock is the result of negotiations which failed when the jute mill owners informed workers that they could not pay more than 81 Rupees"(just over £6, not about £9 as the Finencial Times said: ed. note) "a month as a minimum wage, This is the current minimum in India, The workers, who earlier demanded a mininwage of 115 fupees (£8.12.6), refused the offer, The present minimum pay of a Pakistan jute worker is 65 Rupees (£4. 17. 6) a-month."