International Transport Workers’ Federation urges PM Shehbaz to halt PIA privatisation

Terms exclusion of unions unacceptable, violation of international labour standards

The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) has called for the privatisation process of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) to be halted immediately, according to a letter from ITF General Secretary Stephen Cotton.

In the letter to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Cotton requested that the privatisation process be paused “until there is meaningful dialogue with the trade unions representing the workforce of PIA.”

Cotton argued that the privatisation process has excluded unions, including the ITF-affiliated People’s Unity. He said this exclusion is unacceptable, undermines collective bargaining agreements, and constitutes a violation of global labour standards.

According to the letter, the proposed privatisation affects not only essential PIA assets and core airline operations workers, but also allied operations staff, including those in ground handling, engineering, training, and catering.

Read: Full PIA sale approved after bidders reject government's role in airline's affairs

Cotton cautioned that without union consultation, there is a significant risk of losing skilled and experienced workers. He added that this could affect employees’ livelihoods, passenger and worker safety, and the “operational success and financial stability of the airline.”

The federation has called upon the Government of Pakistan to halt the privatisation process until unions are fully involved in the discussions, guarantee that PIA respects the rights of all its employees, and ensure transparent and constructive dialogue between the airline management and relevant unions.