ISLAMABAD, Dec 23: Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), All Pakistan Newspapers Employees Confederation (APNEC) and other newspapers employees bodies have demanded implementation of the 7th Wage Award.

Taking stock of the newspapers employees’ financial conditions, different union leaders demanded of the newspapers owners to implement the Award and said, “if the Wage Award is not implemented at the earliest, financial conditions of the employees would worsen further.”

Speaking at an emergency meeting here at National Press Club, Senior Vice President of the PFUJ C. R. Shamsi regretted the recent advertisement campaign by the newspaper owners and termed it an endeavour to not only blackmail the government but also usurp the rights of the employees.

RIUJ President Pervez Shaukat hailed the government for constituting the Wage Board Award.

PFUJ Secretary General Fouzia Shahid said employees demanded the reward for the services they rendered to their respective newspapers.

Secretary General of APP Employees Union and the National Press Club Zafar Rasheed Bhatti said the employees would explore all avenues including legal course and agitation for their rights.

Later the meeting adopted a resolution calling upon the government to fulfil its responsibilities regarding implementation of the Award. The meeting also regretted the advertisement campaign by the All Pakistan Newspapers Society.—APP