Salt workers at several jetties in Kutubdia say they receive inadequate wages despite carrying heavy salt sacks throughout the day. Workers at Satruddin Peyarakata New Jetty Ghat said they earn Tk7.50 per sack loaded from the road onto trawlers, although sacks labelled 40 kilograms often weigh about 50 kilograms. Working from 6am to 5pm, they carry 80 to 90 sacks and receive Tk600 to Tk650 daily.

Worker Manik said the company has kept the same wage for four years. Workers said no meal is provided, forcing them to spend about half their earnings on food and snacks. They work about 20 days a month, with work halted by storms and rain, and demand Tk10 per sack. At Darbar Ghat, workers receive Tk7 per maund, up from Tk6 six months earlier.

Traders cited market constraints and uneven rates. Akhtar Company said mill owners are not purchasing salt at higher prices despite increases in field prices. Ibrahim said workers receive Tk23 per maund for moving salt from fields to roads and trawlers. Union official Shafiul Alam said monsoon brings more job seekers to jetties while salt transport declines, reducing available work.