NTUF calls for inquiry into two deaths at shipbreaking yard

Two workers were recently killed as a heavy iron plate fell on them during dismantling of a vessel at the Gadani shipbreaking yard, said the National Trade Union Federation (NTUF) in a statement on Thursday.

According to the NTUF, the incident occurred on January 16 in the yard number 60, where Catherine Bright, a 26-year-old bulk carrier, was moored for dismantling. The deceased workers were identified as Qasim and Mustafa.

The trade union federation said the victims were working at the bottom of the ship when a heavy iron plate fell on them, which proved fatal. It alleged that the workers were forced to work at the ship without adequate safety measures.

“Pakistan recently ratified the Hong Kong Convention, which is about better and safe working environment, however unfortunately the willingness for its implementation does not seem to exist”, the NTUF said.

“The ship owners, concerned governmental departments, including police, are in an alliance against workers, as a result of which the Gadani shipbreaking yard is practically without any rule of law,” it added.

The NTUF said the police were protecting the contractor and owner responsible for the deaths of the two workers. It alleged that the deceased workers were buried in the late hours of night in a clandestine manner without conducting a post-mortem.

The NTUF and its affiliate Shipbreaking Workers Union Gadani condemned the anti-labour and inhumane practices allegedly rampant in the shipbreaking yards, resulting in tragedies and fatal accidents. They demanded that the authorities conduct a thorough inquiry and hold responsible persons accountable.