Karachi: Major trade union federations and unions in Pakistan have announced the formation of the Trade Unions Confederation of Pakistan (TUCP), marking it as the country's largest trade union alliance. The newly established confederation has pledged to resist the ongoing repression and exploitation of workers' rights and announced a nationwide "Workers' Action Day" on October 20 to mobilize for workers' rights.

According to Home-Based Women Workers Federation, the announcement came during a press conference at the Karachi Press Club, where representatives from 12 workers' organizations, including the Pakistan Workers' Federation and the National Trade Union Federation, sanctioned the formation of the TUCP. The confederation, which elected a 15-member Federal Coordination Committee, emphasized that no policy or legislation affecting workers would be accepted without their consultation.

Nasir Mansoor, the Federal Secretary of the Coordination Committee, expressed concerns about the political, economic, and social crises in the country, attributing them to the policies of the ruling class. He highlighted the dire conditions for workers, with many living below the poverty line and lacking access to basic necessities. The confederation outlined several demands, including the end of the contract labor system, implementation of a living wage, and the protection of trade union rights.

Other speakers underscored issues such as occupational health and safety, harassment of women workers, and the detrimental effects of privatization. The TUCP aims to unify workers across all sectors to defend their social and economic rights, resisting exploitation and preserving democratic and trade union rights.