UNISAME DEMANDS FAIR WAGES,HEALTH CARE,FACILITIES & ENVIRONMENT FOR LABOUR

Need stressed for better wages for labourers

KARACHI: The Union of Small and Medium Enterprises (UNISAME) organised a May Day rally at the office of the union to commemorate the declaration of labour rights. The rally demanded better wages, facilities and environment for labourers.

Zulfikar Thaver as a committed representative of the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) in Pakistan emphasised the principles of the UNGC for the promotion of human rights, labour welfare, anti-corruption and environment, which are the goals of the UNGC. He said it was the primary object of the UNGC to protect human rights and ensure that the rights were not trampled and all sections of the citizens were respected, protected and given level playing field to pursue their goals under the Pakistani flag without discrimination against colour, cast or creed.

Speaking on the main theme of labour laws, rights, fair wages and facilities for their comfort, safety and healthcare, he urged the provincial governments to give serious attention to their needs and welfare. He urged the participants to vote, support and elect the candidates who would uphold the constitution and fight against corruption, and invited their attention to the fact that the forthcoming election on May 11 were crucial. He demanded the voters to wisely select their candidates for the provincial and national assemblies who were committed to changing the systems for proper enforcement of law and order, economic discipline, austerity, scientific approach to problems and promotion of agriculture. Outlining the need for uplift of the micro sector, he and other participants stressed the need for technical institute to train carpenters, plumbers, electricians, masons and painters to improve their skills. “Their average daily income is below Rs 400 and needs to be raised reasonably as the actual income generating working days in a month are below 21 days, considering the holidays and frequent strikes declared by the political parties who are selfish and for their own political mileage harm the daily wage earners,” a statement from the UNISAME read.

The participants of the rally demanded Rs 12,000 as minimum monthly wages for the labourers and urged the government to declare the same, with free medical care and old age benefits for all workers on the payroll or employed under contract. pr

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