Business Recorder
KARACHI: A strong show of solidarity marked International Labour Day in the city on Friday as postal employees, industrial workers and lady health workers took to the streets in separate rallies, highlighting the mounting economic pressures, insecure employment and shrinking labour protections faced by workers in Pakistan. The demonstrations paid tribute to the historic sacrifices of the Chicago workers, as trade unionists warned that the working class was bearing the brunt of economic instability. The rallies reflected growing concern among labour unions over soaring inflation, low wages and weakening job security. The first rally was organized by the representative of Pakistan Post, People’s Unity of Pakistan Postal Employees Union, and marched from GPO Saddar to the Karachi Press Club. A large number of union members and postal employees participated in the demonstration. Addressing the rally, Central Chairman, Khurram Saleem and Central Secretary General, Imran Jamali said that the Labour Day symbolized the long and historic struggle of workers for dignity and rights. They urged the government to ensure fair wages and meaningful relief in the forthcoming budget, stating that runaway inflation had severely affected the working class. The speakers also demanded fuel allowances for postmen and strongly criticised the lack of basic facilities for postal employees. Participants chanted slogans in support of labour rights throughout the march. Another rally was taken out from Gul Plaza to the Karachi Press Club under the banner of the Pakistan Federation of Chemical, Energy, Mines and General Workers Unions. Addressing the gathering, Federation Chairman, Raja Munir Ahmed Khan, President Muhammad Saleem, General Secretary, Imran Ali, Vice President Musarrat Taimuri and other office-bearers said Labour Day was not a ceremonial event but a powerful reminder of workers’ historic struggles. They recalled the 1886 Chicago movement, describing it as a turning point that laid the foundations for the eight-hour workday, fair wages and respect for human dignity across the world. The speakers said divisions within the labour movement, weak coordination, group interests and leadership crises had undermined collective worker strength. They warned that this situation had benefited employer-driven and anti-labour policies. They further said unchecked inflation, low wages, job insecurity, contractual and third-party employment systems, unsafe working conditions, industrial accidents and the absence of social security and pension coverage had pushed workers into severe distress. The federation demanded strict enforcement of minimum wage laws and wage increases in line with inflation. It also called for the abolition of contract and third-party systems, provision of EOBI, social security, medical and pension benefits to all workers, and the implementation of international health and safety standards. Additional demands included protection of trade union formation and collective bargaining rights, equal pay and safe workplaces for women workers, legal protection for informal sector labourers, genuine worker representation in welfare institutions, and the immediate withdrawal of proposed labour codes described as anti-worker. The leaders reaffirmed their resolve to intensify the struggle for dignified employment, better wages, safe working environments, social justice and democratic trade union rights, and urged workers across the country to strengthen unity and organisation. Separately, the All Lady Health Workers Programme Union organised a large rally to pay tribute to the Chicago labour martyrs and raise a collective voice for workers’ rights. Lady health workers from across Sindh participated in the rally. The march began from YMCA Ground and concluded at the Karachi Press Club, where an ending ceremony was held. Labour leaders, including Tanzeem Zahra Maqsood and Farhat Parveen, emphasised the urgent need for unity among workers, saying labour conditions in Pakistan had deteriorated significantly over time. Union Chairperson Bushra Araeen highlighted the specific challenges faced by lady health workers, including issues related to service structure, up-gradation and pensionary benefits. She particularly stressed the demand for a two-year relaxation for retired employees who had completed eight years of service. She said the rally aimed to send a clear message to the Sindh government and relevant authorities that workers were united and would not withdraw from their legitimate demands. Union President Noor Fatima said national progress was not possible without safeguarding workers’ rights, while General Secretary Farhat Sultana stressed that minimum wages must be aligned with inflation. Other office-bearers also addressed the gathering. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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