Trade unions seek safety reforms in shipbreaking industry

Demand compensation for families of 2016 Gadani shipyard disaster victims

KARACHI:

Trade union leaders on Friday presented a charter of demands on the eigth anniversary of the deadly Gadani shipbreaking disaster, calling for compensation to families of the victims and safety reforms in an industry where the casualty rate is much higher compared to regional countries.

At least 29 workers were killed and 54 others injured in a catastrophic explosion that went off during the dismantling of the decommissioned oil tanker ACES at a Gadani shipbreaking yard on November 1, 2016.

While speaking at a press conference, leaders of the Gadani Shipbreaking Workers Union (GSBWU) and National Trade Union Federation (NTUF) said that they would continue fighting for better working conditions and fair remuneration for all workers in the industry.

NTUF General Secretary Nasir Mansoor recalled that the fire aboard the ACES burnt for three days, showing the government's inability to handle such industrial disasters. In 2016, a record 141 ships were dismantled in Gadani, but the industry has since declined due to lack of safety standards and governmental support, he added.