Workers convention demands end to contractual employment practices

Factory workers and home-based women workers converged on Monday at the Textile Garment Workers' Convention in Godhra Colony and demanded improved working conditions and respect for their rights.

Organised by the National Trade Union Federation (NTUF) and Home-Based Women Workers Federation (HBWWF), the convention saw participation of workers from various factories and home-based industries in New Karachi, North Karachi and Federal B Area industrial zones.

A nine-member organising committee was elected during the convention, tasked with advocating for the workers rights at different platforms. The convention demanded issuance of appointment letters to all the workers to their ensure job security and transparency in employment terms.

It added that worker should be paid wages through bank accounts for their financial inclusion and elimination of potential discrepancies in salaries disbursement. It demanded that all the workers be registered with the social security and pension institutions for their and their families’ financial security.

It added that all forms of contract systems should be abolished and standard employment practices put in place to prevent labour exploitation. The labour rights activists demanded that the government and authorities ensure eight-hour workday with weekly paid holidays for all workers and promote work-life balance culture.

They added that double pay should be paid for overtime work and workplaces made safer to prevent loss of lives in case of accidents. The convention demanded an end to discrimination against women workers, and equal treatment and opportunities for people belonging to all genders.

It added that workplaces should be made harassment-free to ensure a dignified and respectful work environment for all. It demanded effective implementation of labour laws to guarantee that the workers' rights were upheld as per the national and international regulations.

It added that the garment and textile industry should adopt ethical and responsible employment and sourcing practices respecting global agreements between brands and unions. It demanded extension of full labour rights to home-based workers for equal protection and benefits for the often-marginalised workforce.