ISLAMABAD, Aug 22: Representatives of the trade union and workers, under the aegis of the Pakistan Workers’ Confederation (PWC), have decided to observe a protest on September 4, 2013 against the price hike, rising unemployment and poverty in the country.

This was decided at a conference organised by the PWC at the Press Club here on Thursday. Ms Rubina Jameel, the PWC president, chaired the meeting. On the occasion, workers also demanded a minimum wage of Rs18,000 per month.

Workers said the government should review the labour legislation and remove all restrictions on the formation of trade unions. Furthermore, they said labour laws should be brought in conformity with the ILO (International Labour Organisation) and should be enforced so that safe working conditions for workers were ensured.

The conference urged the government to review its privatisation policy and instead, take steps to raise productivity of public organisations including railways and PIA. It also demanded social protection for all including old-age benefits for workers.

Furthermore, the union leaders asked the government to adopt a self-reliance economic policy to decrease dependency on the IMF (International Monetary Fund) and World Bank, develop industries and introduce agrarian reforms.

Khurshid Ahmad, the trade union leader, presented a detailed report of PWC’s economic and social activities. He asked the public to join hands with the working class and establish a society which ensured the dignity of working men and women.

Hundreds of delegates from all over the country belonging to different federations and industrial trade unions participated in the conference. — A Reporter