FAISALABAD, March 15: Dozens of industrial workers and labour leaders observed a hunger strike in front of district Nazim’s office to press for their demands here on Tuesday.

The strike, which was attended by various labour bodies, was observed under the Labour Qaumi Movement.

The strikers vowed to continue their protest till the abolition of the contract system from factories, increase in salaries of industrial workers and issuance of social security cards to all powerloom workers.

Speaking to the strikers, the labour leaders said they had approached government high-ups for the acceptance of their demands but their efforts proved futile.

They alleged the government was in league with factory owners, and the officials concerned were playing the role of silent spectators despite highly unhygienic working environment in industrial units.

They said hundreds of thousands of workers were forced to work in powerlooms and other industrial units at very low wages and without benefits, including medical leave, which was unjust.

They warned that in case their demands were not met, they would commit self-immolations and responsibility would rest with the authorities concerned.