Labour Leaders in Punjab, Pakistan Reject Labour Code 2024
Labour leaders in the Punjab province of Pakistan have unanimously rejected the Labour Code 2024 proposed by the government and the International Labour Organisation. They called it a mechanism intended to further oppress the labour community in Pakistan.
Meeting in Lahore
At a meeting held at Bakhtiar Hall in Lahore, the leaders argued that the proposed legislation is driven by an agenda aimed at deliberately undermining workers’ rights. They expressed concern that the current government of Punjab, along with international bodies, is advancing a privatization agenda that threatens to weaken the trade union movement across public sector institutions in Pakistan.
Unified Resistance
Labour representatives from every district in Punjab attended the meeting and vowed to initiate direct action plans if the government proceeds with the law without addressing their concerns. A resolution adopted at the conference emphasized the necessity of notifying the government about the defects in the proposed law and advocating for negotiations to ensure tripartite consultations. The leaders asserted that any limitations on trade union freedoms and freedom of expression, as protected by Article 17 of the Constitution, would be firmly opposed.
Criticism of Privatization
The conference also strongly criticized the government’s privatization policy, showing support for employees from WAPDA, Railways, and Utility Stores, and reaffirming the commitment to unified resistance against privatization. Labour conditions in Punjab are poor, with low wages, inadequate working environments, and a lack of job security. Many workers endure unsafe and unhealthy workplaces, often facing exploitation in informal employment sectors with minimal enforcement of labour rights. The current economic crisis exacerbates these issues.
Earlier in April, it was reported that affording basic amenities in Pakistan is becoming more difficult due to skyrocketing inflation in the country.
Doubts Revealed
Labour Leaders -: Labour leaders are people who represent workers and fight for their rights, like better pay and working conditions.
Punjab, Pakistan -: Punjab is a region in Pakistan, which is a country next to India. It is known for its rich culture and history.
Labour Code 2024 -: The Labour Code 2024 is a set of rules proposed by the government to manage how workers are treated at their jobs.
International Labour Organisation -: The International Labour Organisation (ILO) is a group that helps countries make fair rules for workers all around the world.
oppressive -: Oppressive means something that is very unfair and makes people suffer.
Lahore -: Lahore is a big city in Punjab, Pakistan. It is famous for its beautiful buildings and delicious food.
privatization -: Privatization means changing a business or service from being owned by the government to being owned by private people or companies.
trade unions -: Trade unions are groups of workers who come together to protect their rights and improve their working conditions.
negotiations -: Negotiations are talks between people to reach an agreement or solve a problem.
job insecurity -: Job insecurity means not being sure if you will keep your job or not.
