Punjab Labour Leaders Defy New Labour Code, Threaten Strikes

Labour leaders in Punjab have rejected the Labour Code 2024, criticising it as oppressive. They vow direct action if their concerns are ignored, emphasizing the need for tripartite consultations. Leaders also condemn the government's privatization policies amidst worsening labour conditions and economic hardships.

Labour leaders in Punjab province, Pakistan, have unanimously dismissed both the government and the International Labour Organisation's Labour Code 2024, condemning it as a tool designed to further oppress the labour community. The News International (TNI) reported that the rejection came during a Saturday meeting at Bakhtiar Hall in Lahore, where leaders argued that the new legislation is deliberately crafted to undermine workers' rights.

The leaders voiced their concern that both the Punjab government and international entities are pushing a privatisation agenda that threatens to weaken trade unions across public sector institutions in Pakistan. They warned that if the government proceeds without addressing their concerns, they would launch direct action plans across every district and city in Punjab province.

A resolution adopted at the meeting stressed the need to notify authorities about the flaws in the proposed law and called for tripartite consultations to avert growing worker discontent. The resolution also emphasized opposition to any restrictions on trade union freedoms and freedom of expression, protected by Article 17 of the Constitution. The conference heavily criticized the government's privatization policies and demonstrated support for employees from WAPDA, Railways, and Utility Stores. It also highlighted the poor labour conditions in Punjab and the economic crisis exacerbating these issues.

(With inputs from agencies.)