May 2, 2003	Friday	Safar 29, 1424

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HYDERABAD, May 1: The International Labour Day was observed here on Thursday with great fervour and enthusiasm by the workers reaffirming their pledge to continue their struggle for their just rights and complete the mission of the martyrs of Chicago.

Many processions were taken out and rallies were held here to pay homage to the martyrs of Chicago. The employees severely criticized the Industrial Relations Ordinance 2002 and Compulsory Retirement Ordinance 2000.

WAPDA UNION: The Pakistan Wapda Hydro Electric Central Labour Union held a meeting at the labour hall to mark May Day and the death anniversary of former president of the union, the late Umeed Ali Qaimkhani.

Later, they took out a procession, which terminated at the press club.

Speaking on the occasion, labour leaders, including the president of the union, Abdul Latif Nizamani, termed the IRO 2002 the blackest law saying that it was part of a conspiracy to steal the rights of the workers.

He was equally critical of the Compulsory Retirement Ordinance 2000 under which the workers were being sacked.

He warned that if the black laws were not withdrawn, then the workers would besiege the houses of the prime minister, the chief minister and other important installations.

APTUO: The All-Pakistan Trade Unions Organization took out a rally, which was participated by a large number of workers.

Addressing the rally, the labour leaders demanded the repeal of IRO-2002.

The union leaders were particularly critical of the sugar mills, which had already retrenched hundreds of workers.

AZAD HARI UNION: The liberated Haris, under the banner of the Azad Hari Union, took out a rally from the HRCP’s office.

Addressing the rally, Jam Saqi, Lal Jee, Ahmed Khan Dars, HRCP officials Aftab Ahmed, Akhtar Baloch, and others pledged to eliminate private jails in Sindh, implementation of the Tenancy Act and the restoration of the right of trade unions to Haris.

KHOSKI MILLS: Workers of the Fauji Sugar Mills, Khoski, held a demonstration outside the press club against the sacking of 248 mill workers.

Addressing the rally, general secretary of the union, Nazir Ahmed, demanded the immediate reinstatement of the 248 sacked workers.

KHAIRPUR: Different labour organizations on Thursday took out rallies to commemorate the May Day.

Various labour organizations demanded job security and better working conditions for the workers.

DADU: A big gathering was held at the Municipal Park on Thursday under the aegis of the Pakistan Trade Union.

PPP MPA Marvi Mazhar, while addressing the labourers, said that the labourers should struggle against the contractor system and raise their voice for their rights.

Rallies were also taken out in Khairpur Nathan Shah, Mehar, Sehwan and Johi to observe International Labour Day.

SHIKARPUR: A big protest demonstration was held against child labour on the occasion of the International Labour Day.

The rally started from the office of the Rehabilitation of Labour Children, and went all the way to the press club where a demonstration was held.

Speakers on the occasion demanded that serious action be taken against child labour and more educational facilities be provided to them.

MIRPURKHAS: A joint rally was taken out by the Pakistan Wapda Hydro Electric Central Labour Union, Paigham Union Railway, Municipal Employees Union, and People’s Labour Bureau from the office of the Wapda Hydro Electric Central Labour Union here on Thursday to mark the Labour Day.

Speakers, on the occasion, called for better health, educational and other facilities.

NAUSHAHRO FEROZE: A large number of labourers took out a rally here on Thursday.

The procession, after passing through Station Road, National Highway and Allahwala Chowk, reached the press club where labour leaders including Younus Rajpar and Raja Lund delivered speeches.

Urging the government to announce a package for workers, they lamented that labourers were not being paid fair wages.

SUKKUR: Hundreds of the workers, belonging to different labour organisations, on Thursday took out rallies in Sukkur, Ghotki, Daharki, Mirpur Mathelo and other parts of the interior of Sindh to mark the May Day.

Thousands of workers belonging to the FFC, Engro Chemicals, Liberty Power and Mari Gas Field took to the streets and urged their respective labour unions to safeguard their rights while condemning the managements of the multinational companies.

On this occasion, various labour leaders stressed the need for better working environment, they called on both the government and factory owners for better facilities and wage packages.

In Sukkur, participants of rally a gathered at the Clock Tower where the rally turned into a public meeting.

Labour leaders urged the government to formulate better labour policies and work for the betterment of the labour and other wage-earning classes.

JACOBABAD: A large labour rally was taken out on Thursday to commemorate the martyrs of Chicago and mark the International Labour’s Day.

Rallies were also taken out in different towns of the district.

Meanwhile, a large gathering was held at the town hall in Jacobabad.

Shahzad Thaheem, secretary of the Sindh Workers’ Welfare Board, on the occasion, paid tribute to the martyrs of Chicago.