LAHORE: The International Labour Day was observed across the globe including Pakistan on Monday, to promote the dignity and welfare of the labourers.
Seminars and rallies were organized by different political and labour organizations across the city, where union leaders and other participants paid tribute to the workers’ sacrifices in achieving economic and social rights all over the world. They, especially, remembered the sacrifices of those labourers who laid their lives in Chicago in 1886 keeping their dignities intact.
All Pakistan Trade Union Federation arranged the main rally of the city, voicing solidarity with the working class. Hundreds of workers from industrial units, brick kilns and domestic sector took part in the rally which started from Hamdard Centre Littion Road and ended at Mozang Chowk.
The rally was led by federation leaders Sultan Khan, Aima Mahmood, Fazal Wahid, Nasir Mahmood, Salma Liaqat, Bashir Khan and Hamdard Union General Secretary Munir Dogar and others.
Holding placards and banners inscribed with different slogans, paying tribute to Chicago workers and demanding pro-workers policies in public and private sectors, the participants of the rally vowed to continue their struggle until the rights to the labourers are not granted. They said that rulers have failed to address the concerns of the working class and in making Pakistan a welfare State.
Addressing the gathered labourers, Federation General Secretary and Working Women Organisation Executive Director Aima Mahmood highlighted the need for unity among the working class to achieve their set goals. She criticised the government’s policy of privatization of important public utilities and pledged to resist it. Ms Aima, along with other leaders, demanded that the minimum wage should be raised to, at least, Rs 25000.
“Government must give labour their due representation in administrative matters including those of social security and workers welfare fund,” she demanded.
Aima called for the provision of social security to the retired employees and the formulation of health and safety laws in accordance with the ILO (International Labour Organisation) convention. She also highlighted the need for women representation in trade unions’ decision making bodies and the protection of the rights of domestic workers and farmers.
Federation leaders Sultan Khan and Fazal Wahid demanded from the government that it take practical steps to protect workers’ rights in the light of the GSP Plus status of Pakistan.
A score of organizations; Pakistan Workers Confederation, National Labour Federation Pakistan, All Pakistan Wapda Hydro Electric Workers Union and labour wings of different political parties also held rallies and demonstrations outside the Lahore Press Club in support of the labourers.
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf labour wing organized a rally outside Punjab Assembly at Charing Cross where local leadership highlighted the sacrifices of Chicago labourers. They vowed to provide rights of labourers once they come in power.
National Labour Assembly’s ninth annual meeting was held at a local hotel where leaders demanded from the government that it raises the daily salary of the workers to Rs 1250.
