Karachi: A labour conference held in Karachi’s SITE Area, organized by the National Trade Union Federation Pakistan (NTUF), has called for the implementation of labour laws and the abolition of the contract system. The conference, presided over by NTUF President Comrade Gul Rehman, saw participation from workers across various sectors, emphasizing industrial peace and development.
Comrade Nasir Mansoor of NTUF addressed the gathering, highlighting that government policies are hindering industrial development. He noted that real wages for workers have declined significantly, resulting in nearly half of the country’s population living below the poverty line. Mansoor criticized the denial of unionization rights to over 90 million workers and revealed that 95 percent of factory workers lack basic rights such as employment contracts and social security.
Habibuddin Junejo from the People’s Labour Bureau urged the need for new strategies to advocate for labour rights amid challenging conditions. He pointed out that 80 percent of factory workers do not receive appointment letters due to the contract system and demanded the release of missing labour leader Iqbal Abro.
Zehra Khan from the Home Based Women Workers Federation (HBWWF) condemned the working conditions in various sectors, particularly textiles and garments. She criticized the branding of labour representatives as anti-industry and the enforced disappearance of leaders like Iqbal Abro. Khan vowed to expose and resist anti-worker activities.
Qazi Khizar of the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) criticized the contract system for damaging the industrial and financial sectors. He noted the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) attempts to legitimize this system were being resisted by labour organizations. Khizar pledged HRCP’s support for protests demanding Abro’s release.
Riaz Abbassi from the SITE labour forum highlighted corruption in social protection institutions, notably SESSI and the Workers’ Welfare Board, which he claimed had become ineffective. He cited incidents of HIV infections in SESSI hospitals and corruption in the Workers’ Welfare Board as examples of mismanagement.
Comrade Gul Sher of Watan Dost Mazdoor Federation (WDMF) called for unity among unions to address workers’ issues, while Muhammad Siddique from the Baldia Factory Tragedy victims’ organization criticized the ILO’s handling of funds for victims’ families. Siddique said that a formal complaint had been lodged with the ILO over this issue.
The conference also condemned the privatization of PIA, WAPDA, and Pakistan Railways, labeling it as anti-national, and opposed the abolition of the Karachi Dock Labour Board, expressing solidarity with dock workers.
The event featured additional speakers from various unions, further emphasizing the collective demand for labour rights and reforms.