LAHORE: The Minimum Wages Action Committee organised a demonstration in front of the Punjab labour secretary offices to demand immediate implementation of labour laws across Punjab factories.

Labour leaders, political and social activists joined the demonstration and demanded the labour minister must resign for his failure to win rights of the workers.

“Pay at least Rs3 million to each victim of an industrial accident,” Awami Workers Party general-secretary Farooq Tariq demanded while addressing the participants.

“Punjab is in the grip of industrial accidents these days as one after another incident is occurring in the province but the government is not taking the phenomenon seriously.”

He said over 80 per cent industrial institutions were not paying minimum wages to their respective workers in violation of decisions of the Minimum Wage Award Board.

Mr Tariq demanded a pro-active role from the labour department like the one being exhibited by the Punjab Food Authority in unearthing adulteration and other issues in food items these days.

“It should play an effective and active role in implementing the labour laws without fear of any boss.”

All Pakistan Workers Confederation chairman Yousaf Baloch demanded the labour minister must resign over his alleged ineffectiveness and the chief minister must appoint a minister who should fearlessly defend workers rights.

Progressive Workers Federation leader Niaz Khan said every industrial accident exposed the gross violation of labour laws in factories and trade institutions.

He demanded the government must ensure at least Rs13,000 per month minimum wage for each unskilled labour employed in any institution. There must also be an end to child labour in all factories, he added.

A two-member delegation handed over a memorandum to the labour secretary, demanding inspection of all Punjab industrial units regarding building bye laws, condition of the machinery, health and safety measure and payment of the minimum wages.

Published in Dawn, November 26th, 2015