FAISALABAD: A large number of powerloom workers staged a long march on Tuesday to press the factory owners to stop using weavers as oilmen, loaders and cleaners and issue them social security cards.

Workers associated with the Labour Qaumi Movement (LQM) took out protest rallies in different areas and gathered in front of the DCO Office. Talking to Dawn their leader said if their demand is not accepted they will march to Lahore.

According to reports more than fifty thousand looms are closed in different parts of the city including Chenchal Singh Wala, Sidhar, Lakar Mandi, Rashid Abad, Faizabad, Jhang Road and Satwan Mile.

Talking to reporters, workers said that in response to their lawful demands the factory owners closed their units two weeks back.

They said the district government was well aware of the situation. However, they seem to be under the influence of loom owners and were reluctant to move against them on charges of violation of the rules.

Protestors said that while the government was trying to eliminate child labour at brick kilns, it appears reluctant to move against lockout in powerlooms.

Meanwhile, the powerloom owners claimed that external elements and NGOs are using the workers for their ‘vested interests’ to disrupt the peace of the district.

Assistant Commissioner Faisalabad Bilawal Abro along with police officials held two rounds of dialogues separately with LQM office bearers and loom owners.

LQM Secretary Aslam Miraj said in September 2015 after workers protest, the then DCO Noorul Ameen Mengal and incumbent City Police Officer, Afzal Kausar assured their issues would soon be resolved but the issue persists after lapse of over four months.

Published in Dawn, February 24th, 2016