KARACHI, May 1: The National Trade Union Federation Pakistan on Monday demanded abolition of IRO 2002, proper enforcement of labour laws, end of contract system, feudal system, unemployment, removing ban on trade union activities and bringing the process of privatization to an end.

The NTUFP made these demands through a number of resolutions passed at a big public meeting held at Nazimabad to mark the May Day. A large number of industrial workers attended the event.

Declaring the Industrial Relations Ordinance 2002 as anti-labour, the NTUFP demanded fresh consultation on IRO at higher level with all the stakeholders and presenting it to the parliament for approval after re-framing the law as per international standards.

It called for right of trade unionism as currently 85 percent workers in agriculture, informal sector, public sector and other categories were deprived of forming trade unions while before partition even the army and police employees were given such rights.

The NTUFP demanded fixation of minimum wages at Rs7,000 instead of Rs3000 and suggested raise in wages on six-month basis in view of increase in prices.

A resolution said that deplorable conditions prevail at workplace as 70 per cent of the workforce was deprived of letter of appointment, gratuity, pension, bonus and other rights, they are not paid overtime and are made to work without potable water and unhealthy atmosphere.

The resolutions also highlighted the same problems faced by workers at export processing zone.

A resolution said about half a million workers have been rendered jobless in the name of downsizing, rightsizing and privatization during last six years while over 7,000 factories have been closed during the same period.

Through another resolution, it supported the demands of fishing community of Sindh, called for implementation of the 7th Wage Award for journalists, release of Baloch leaders, bringing religious fanaticism to an end.

Addressing the public meeting, Ameen Khattak, Farooq Tariq, Mamnoon Hussain, Habib Junaidi, Rafiq Baloch and other leaders highlighted the issues faced by workers in Pakistan.

The workers, who had come in processions from different parts of city, chanted slogans demanding expulsion of IMF, WB and such other institutions from Pakistan.

They also demanded restoration of democracy, withdrawal of privatization.

A number of programmes and rallies were arranged by trade associations, labour unions, and other social and welfare organizations to express solidarity with the labourers across the glob to mark the World Labour Day here on Monday.—PPI/APP