KARACHI: Labour unions were in focus at the launch of a study titled Mapping of Labour Unions in Pakistan organised by the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) Pakistan at a local hotel here on Wednesday.

The event, presided over by veteran labour leader Abdul Latif Nizamani, was attended by leaders and representatives of major labour federations and unions from across the country.

Zeenia Shaukat, one of the authors of the study, gave a brief overview of labour unions in Pakistan. Other co-authors Mohammad Rafiq and Shujauddin Qureshi also highlighted the various topics of the book and its compatibility with the present labour status in Pakistan.

Joining in via video link, senior labour leader and secretary of the National Labour Council, Karamat Ali, also expressed his views. He said that the struggle for labour rights under a single platform with unity and integrity of labour organisations was not only an important need of the hour, but also amounted to a new lease of life in the weak labour movement here. “Workers’ unity under one single platform is vital for labour justice,” he said.

Labour leaders from across the country speak at FES study launch

Mr Ali lamented the government’s role, especially in the National Industrial Relations Commission, and criticised the commission’s ‘biased’ policy in its dealing with trade unions.

Senior labour leader Abdul Latif Nizamani said that analysis of labour organisations and understanding their procedures and democratic principles was an integral part of the workers’ struggle.

He added that the bringing out of the study by FES would serve as a beacon for labour organisations to improve their skills and modernise organisations with international standards.

Nasir Mansoor of the National Trade Union Federation suggested that after a careful review of the book, their proposals should be compiled in writing and handed over to researchers to discuss the variety of topics in the next edition.

Zahra Khan of the Home-Based Women Workers’ Federation said that the book covered the operational practices and challenges faced by labour organisations with simplicity and brevity.

“However, there is also a need to address important topics such as the role of labour courts and expert opinions on workers and judiciary so that research can be helpful in policy making,” she said.

Programme coordinator Abdullah Dayo said that they were putting in their contribution for strengthening labour unions.

“And this book is a step ahead on the mission,” he said.

The event was attended by labour organisation leaders from all over the country, including Aslam Wafa, Chaudhary Akbar, Hanif Ramay and Rubina Jameel of Punjab, Abrarullah Khan from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sultan Lala, Abdul Sattar and Haji Khan Zaman from Balochistan, Habibuddin Junidi and Liaquat Sahi from Sindh, who expressed their views on their provincial affairs and the issues faced by workers in their cities.

Published in Dawn, May 12th, 2022