KARACHI: The National Trade Union Federation (NTUF) organised a sit-in against exploitation of workers and violation of labour laws early on Wednesday morning at Bilal Chowrangi in Korangi Industrial Area.

A large number of workers carrying banners and placards attended the protest and raised slogans for their demands.

The protest was led by NTUF Sindh president Gul Rehman and the general secretary of Home-based Women Workers Federation (HBWWF) Zehra Khan.

NTUF Pakistan general secretary Nasir Mansoor said that industrialists had converted factories and workplaces virtually into slaughterhouses.

“They are engaged in brutal economic exploitation of workers. As per labour laws it is mandatory to give written appointment letters to workers but more than 95 per cent of workers here are deprived of this legal right. And without appointment letters these workers cannot avail their legal and constitutional rights and privileges,” he pointed out.

He said making labour unions in factories and workplaces was seen as a kind of a crime now. “Less than one per cent of workers enjoy the right of making unions. In even major industrial organisations, unskilled workers are not being given the government-announced minimum wages of Rs17,500. However, proper wages for skilled workers is still a distant dream. More than 95pc workers are not registered with social security and pension institutions,” he said.

‘Women workers are compelled to work till late night in many factories’

The general secretary of Home-based United Workers Union, Saira Feroz Khuhro, said that several factories working for international brands were not ready to give rights to their workers as per Global Framework Agreement.

“Both male and female workers in these factories face different types of harassment, including sexual harassment. In many factories women workers are compelled to work till late night. These factories have engaged goons to harass their workers, and sacking of workers in such factories is a routine matter,” she said.

“As per labour laws, permanent employment is necessary for a permanent post, but in violation of local and international labour laws, factories and workplaces are being run on illegal contract labour system,” he said.

The head of Textile Garments General Workers Union Ghulam Nabi said that textile and garment factories were involved in open violation of national labour laws.

“The workers of these factories face slavery-like working conditions. These factories compel workers for 200 hours per month forced overtime without any additional wages. Many factories working for famous international brands are involved in this malpractice, which is a violation of the GSP+ accord with the European Union,” he said.

‘Illegal firing of workers should be stopped’

They further demanded that workers should not be compelled to do more than 48 hours of overtime per month and they should be paid double wages for overtime hours.

Illegally sacked workers should be restored on their jobs. Illegal retrenchments of workers should be stopped and making unions and electing CBAs should be practically allowed in all factories and workplaces. Workers should be given legal holidays and cutting their wages in case of leaves and off days should be stopped. The harassment of workers at workplaces should be stopped and all workers should be paid bonus as per law.

The protesters demanded that written appointment letters be issued to workers, especially the workers of textile and garment factories.

The workers should be registered with the social security and the Employees Old Age Benefits Institution (EOBI) and given cards of these institutions. Illegal contract labour system should be ended and factories running on contract labour system should be tried for contempt of the Supreme Court of Pakistan.

Both skilled and unskilled workers should be given wages as announced by the government.

Women workers should not be forced to stay at workplaces during night hours.

Published in Dawn, January 21st, 2021