Islamabad: The Workers’ Solidarity Committee (WSC), a coalition of labor, human rights, and social organizations along with intellectuals, has denounced attacks on workers’ rights, the Sindh Labour Code, and alleged corruption within the Sindh Employees Social Security Institution (SESSI) and the Sindh Workers Welfare Board (WWBS).

At a press conference, WSC representatives, including members from the National Commission on Human Rights (NCHR), National Trade Union Federation (NTUF), and other prominent organizations, highlighted the widespread disregard for the minimum wage law, with many laborers earning less than PKR 25,000 monthly. They accused the Labour Department of protecting factory owners instead of upholding the law. They criticized the privatization of public services, leading to increased joblessness, and the intimidation and dismissal of workers attempting to unionize.

The WSC condemned the Sindh Labour Code as a tool to suppress workers’ rights, likening it to an attempt to legitimize modern-day slavery. They demanded its withdrawal and redrafting through consultations with workers. They also criticized the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) involvement in promoting contractual labor systems, which they argue contradicts the ILO’s core principles.

The WSC also raised concerns about the dire state of SESSI and WWBS. They cited inadequate medical care and substandard medicines at SESSI hospitals. They accused the WWBS, which manages over PKR 50 billion in worker welfare funds, of mismanagement, including the purchase of an expensive office in Clifton, Karachi, hindering access for ordinary laborers. They criticized the allocation of billions of rupees for repairs without proper tendering processes, resulting in substandard facilities.

The WSC further alleged that the WWBS plans to implement an accident insurance scheme worth over PKR 8 billion through a private firm, exceeding its mandate. They questioned expenditures on e-bikes and digitalization exceeding the approved budget.

The WSC demanded an investigation into WWBS spending, its restructuring, and the permanent filling of vacant positions within worker welfare institutions. They called for a review of the Labour Department and social protection bodies to ensure funds are used for worker welfare. They demanded the registration of at least three million workers with SESSI and an end to substandard medicine provision.

The WSC also called for a halt to the privatization of public entities and an end to the harassment and dismissal of workers participating in union activities.

A mass protest is scheduled for August 19th at 4:00 PM in Karachi’s SITE Area, with further demonstrations planned outside the Sindh Assembly if worker concerns are not addressed.