ISLAMABAD, Dec 27: Labour leaders and trade unionists from all over the country declared the Industrial Relations Ordinance (IRO) 2002 anti-worker and demanded that amendments proposed by MNA Chaudhry Manzoor Ahmed be approved.

The representatives of different labour federations and trade unions, who attended the All-Pakistan Labour Conference held at Rawalpindi Press Club on Monday, agreed upon a 14-point joint declaration in which they demanded immediate lifting of ban imposed on trade unions.

They said trade union activity should be allowed in all departments except institutions of the army and police. They also demanded to cancel clause 27-B in the Banking Companies Ordinance of 1962, allow trade union activities in banks and financial institutions and restore services of the employees who were sacked for their involvement in trade union activities.

The conference also demanded cancellation of Section 2A in the Federal Services Tribunal Act of 1973 and restoration of the right of appeal to the employees in labour courts, National Industrial Relations Commission (NIRC) and other courts.

The conference also called for abolition of Removal from Services (Special Powers) Ordinance 2000 and demanded restoration of services of the employees sacked under this ordinance.

The participants said privatization of national institutions should immediately be stopped, services of employees working on contract or daily-wages be regularized and their salaries be fixed equal to the cost of at least 12 grams of gold.

The conference also criticized the unfair utilization of workers' welfare fund and embezzlement in the social security schemes, and demanded that labourers and workers be provided quality health care facilities.

The participants urged an end to discrimination against women and re-opening of all industrial units which have been closed down or have become in operational.