Last 12th August 2002, the Pakistan Workers Confederation (PWC) held rallies and meetings to protest against growing unemployment, unchecked inflation and the government’s failure to enforce labour laws.

Protest actions were held in Lahore, Faislabad, Rawalpindi, Multan, Gujranawala, Karachi, Hyderabad, Quetta and Peshawar to draw the government’s attention to the massive retrenchment of workers, high cost of living, wage freeze and massive contractualization.

Workers also demanded the repeal of a clause in the Service Ordinance 2002 rejecting the “regularization of temporary and contract employees”, called for reduction in oil, gas and electricity rates, the restoration of move-over and selection grade facilities, the restoration of trade union rights and resumption of work in 6,000 factories, the withdrawal of all criminal cases against trade union leaders, a stop to violence against women and the passing of a legislation against domestic violence and sexual harassment at the workplace.

The Pakistan government has launched an all-out attack on the leaders of the All Pakistan Trade Union Federation (APTUF). APTUF General Secretary Gulmar Ahmed Chaudry and 11 other leaders are being charged under Pakistan’s repressive laws.

Chaudry, also the PWC President, said the nationwide protest day was just the start in a series of actions to be undertaken to push for the protection of workers’ right. He stressed that trade unions cannot be silent spectators to the sorry plight of the workers.

Rubina Jamil, APTUF Chairperson, noted the rampant violation of women workers’ rights. Meanwhile, POC General Secretary Krusheed Ahmed demanded the fixing of the minimum wage at 5,000 rupees, the abolition of the feudal system and the distribution of lands to landless peasants.