Novartis BD employees protest amid exit plans

The employees of Novartis Bangladesh on Tuesday staged a demonstration in front of their office in Tejgaon in the capital expressing their fears about a final decision of an unfair compensation package, which may be pushed on all employees as the company decided to close its operation in the country.

"We categorically state that we do not want to hinder or restrict Novartis in making its business decision to leave Bangladesh, but we have serious concerns in the manner we are treated as Associates of Novartis AG," says a statement by the employees.

They claimed that the decision of exiting Bangladesh by Novartis AG, a publicly traded Swiss holding company, is "spearheaded" from its administrative centre in India.

"We have been suddenly informed of the upcoming transfer of shares, effective from December 5, 2024, which has left us with little clarity or certainty about our future within the company. On that date, employees were given two options," the statement reads.

The employees say that the company asked them to either accept an unfamiliar employment framework under the new authority, or resign following the company's specific conditions.

"The company has promised only three months' basic salary as compensation, which is far below acceptable industry standards," the statement says.

The final position of the company regarding the compensation package of employees is scheduled to be communicated by early January, 2025, the statement said citing company sources.

"But as we reach mid-January, no updates have been given, leaving us with unresolved questions and growing concerns," it added.

"Novartis offers severance benefits to the families and relatives of employees in other countries," the statement said.

The employees demanded a written confirmation from the parent company in Switzerland and its management about their compensation package.

"Despite our repeated efforts to seek clarification and raise our concerns, the company has not responded with meaningful written communication or engaged in proper negotiations," the statement reads.

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