KARACHI, March 9: People's Unity of PIA Employees won on Friday the referendum to become the collective bargaining agent for the Pakistan International Airlines.

The People's Unity, which is already the CBA union, defeated its rival Air League and United Workers' Union in the referendum.

The People's Unity secured more than 3,500 votes across Pakistan, followed by the Air League which got over 2,500 votes, while the United Workers Union ranked third in the referendum by bagging over 1,500 votes.

Sources said that all the unions enjoyed political backing and the winner People's Unity was backed by the ruling Pakistan People's Party. The Air League was supported by PML-N and the United Workers' Union had the sympathies of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement, they added.