KARACHI, Jan 3: Various trade union leaders on Monday terming the recent fixation of minimum wages at Rs 2,500 as unacceptable have demanded that at least Rs 6,500 be fixed as the minimum wages.

The demand was made at a workers' meeting, organized by the National Labour Federation. Leaders of the Trade Union Action Committee which represents 14 federations of workers from all over the country spoke.

The meeting was chaired by senior trade union leader S. P. Lodhi, while Saleem Raza, Shakih Majeed, Shaikh Majeed, Shaukat Ali, Malak Rafiq, A. K. Azmati and others also spoke.

Terming the enhancement of pension under the Old-Age Benefit Institution (EOBI) scheme from Rs 700 to Rs 1,000 as unrealistic, they demanded that at least Rs 2,500 be fixed as EOBI pension. They also demanded that other pensions be enhanced, keeping in view the rate of inflation.

Referring to the government's announcement that the Industrial Relations Ordinance 2002 would be amended, they stressed that the amendments be done keeping in view the recommendations submitted by the TUAC.

They also criticized the proposed privatization of the KESC and Karachi Shipyard. They demanded that the law-enforcement agency officials, posted in these organizations, be sent back to their parent organizations.