Working class heroes: Labour Day observed across K-P

K-P Assembly speaker vows to take action against violators of laws protecting employees.

SWABI/ HARIPUR/ CHARSADDA/ MARDAN: Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser vowed stern action against micro units that were forcing employees to come to work at the Gadoon Industrial Estate on Labour Day.

Asad Qaiser told a gathering in Swabi the government would take action against anyone violating labour laws. He pointed out many were still not paying any attention to the relevant legislation even in “these modern times”. The speaker said many units were making workers put in well over the prescribed eight hours.  In his address, he said the government would not tolerate any mismanagement or mishandling of labourers in industrial units. He explained that a special package for labourers would be announced in the next budget.

Raising awareness

A walk was organised by the law department of Abdul Wali Khan University in Mardan.

It was led by department chairman Ashraf Ali who told participants the government had passed different laws for the protection of labour rights. However, he pointed out, many labourers are still unaware of the legislation. He added it was society’s duty to raise awareness among labourers for their rights. The walk was attended in large numbers by students, labourers and teachers.

Deprived of minimum wage

Like other parts of the province, Labour Day was also observed in different parts of Hazara Division.

A rally was organised by Haripur Rickshaw Owners’ Union, SAHARA Foundation and All Pakistan Employees Coordination Council. The participants carried banners and marched from Tarbela Road to the main chowk.

On the occasion, Hazara Labour Federation President Mian Zahoorul Haq said industrial workers were deprived of minimum wage, social security and other benefits.

Former provincial minister Yousuf Ayub said the PTI government was determined to improve the living standards of the working class. He said the party would ensure the rights of workers were protected according to labour laws.

In Mansehra, the All Pakistan Employees Coordination Council held a rally from the press club to the main chowk. Also, in Charsadda, the United Labour Federation organised a programme to mark the occasion. A large number of labourers and their leaders participated in the event. Speakers demanded the government provide relief and facilities to workers in their duties. They also said wages and salaries should increase according to the inflation rate. 

Published in The Express Tribune, May 2^nd, 2015.