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Workers

Sindh Labour Code Criticized for Stripping Workers of Rights and Identity

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Sindh Labour Code (SLC) has been met with widespread criticism from labour rights activists, human rights organizations, and intellectuals in Sindh, who argue that it is designed to impose lawlessness on workers and strip them of their identity and fundamental rights. The criticism was echoed by a joint platform of labour, human rights, social activists, and progressive intellectuals, the Workers' Solidarity Committee (WSC), at a press conference in Karachi. The SLC, they claim, is part of an international conspiracy and agenda of capitalism, aiming to legitimize anti-worker contractual and outsourcing systems.

Key Takeaways:

  • The SLC has been criticized for not addressing workers' objections in its proposed draft, with critics arguing that it aims to legitimize anti-worker contractual and outsourcing systems.
  • The labour department in Sindh has been accused of hindering the formation of unions, with union activists facing joblessness and death threats.
  • Over 60% of Pakistan's workforce is in Sindh, with 90% of them in Karachi, but key social security institutions have not registered the entire workforce, leading to unavailability of benefits.
  • Workers in Sindh face exploitation, with most receiving no weekly off, no health benefits, and no gratuity or pension due to the third-party contractual system.
  • Human rights activist Anis Haroon reminded the audience that labour is the backbone of any country but in Pakistan, the government is taking away labour rights, with many not even receiving minimum wage.
  • The WSC has announced a joint struggle to safeguard labourers' rights and has called for a protest on August 19 in SITE.
  • Critics demand the immediate withdrawal of the current SLC draft and its redrafting through tripartite consultation to ensure workers' rights are protected.

Statistics:

  • 60% of Pakistan's workforce is in Sindh.
  • 90% of Pakistan's workforce in Sindh is concentrated in Karachi.
  • 70% of workers in Sindh do not receive weekly offs.
  • 80% of workers in Sindh do not receive health benefits.
  • 90% of workers in Sindh are hired through the third-party contractual system.

Sources:

  • Workers' Solidarity Committee (WSC)
  • National Trade Union Federation
  • International Labour Organisation (ILO)
  • Human Rights Commission of Pakistan
  • Democratic Workers Union
  • SZABIST
  • Pakistan Federal Union of Journalist
  • Pakistan Fisherfolk Forum
  • PILER (Pakistan Institute of Labour, Education and Research)

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