Karachi: In a united front, the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP), the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), and the National Trade Union Federation (NTUF) have raised concerns over the newly proposed labor code for the Sindh and Punjab provinces.

According to a joint statement by HRCP Chairperson Asad Butt, PFUJ President Afzal Butt, Secretary General Arshad Ansari, and NTUF General Secretary Nasir Mansoor, the labor code, which was drafted with input from the International Labour Organization (ILO), bypassed the essential tripartite consultation process, contravening ILO Convention 144 of 1976.

The proposed code is seen as a threat to the rights traditionally secured by the working class. Critics argue that it could dismantle many of the protections workers have historically fought for, including the guarantee of permanent employment for work of a permanent nature. The code also seeks to expand the contract system and complicate the definition of who qualifies as a worker.

The leaders of HRCP, PFUJ, and NTUF have voiced particular concern over the potential for this legislation to exacerbate the exploitation of workers, journalists, and other professionals, ultimately undermining their rights and dignity.

In response, these organizations are demanding that the government withdraw the proposed labor code. They also call for the organization of a tripartite labor conference to ensure that future labor laws and policies are developed through a comprehensive and consultative process.

The HRCP, PFUJ, and NTUF emphasize the need for the government to respect workers’ rights and to ensure that legislative processes are both consultative and democratic. The organizations plan to present these concerns at an upcoming meeting of the Joint Action Committee, where they will outline a strategy to continue mobilizing public opinion and protect the rights of workers, journalists, and citizens.