HYDERABAD, June 13: A labour convention has called for repeal of all anti-worker and trade union clauses of the Industrial Relations Ordinance 2002, describing it a violation of the ILO convention and human rights. The convention was organized by the All-Pakistan Trade Unions Organization on Sunday.

Maula Bux Khaskheli presided over the convention.

In the resolutions the workers said the ordinance was being used against them as a weapon which would not only affect country’s exports but also foreign exchange reserves.

They demanded that all labour leaders should be taken into confidence and the ordinance be brought in conformity with all international labour covenants and passed by the parliament.

Around 85 per cent workers who were affiliated with agriculture, informal sectors and other categories are deprived of right of association.

The convention demanded that barring police and army all the government employees should be given right of association.

Noting that 70 per cent workers did not possess appointment letters and they were not entitled to gratuity, pension, bonus and other rights, the convention demanded that workers should be given appointment letters and they should be registered with the Employment Old Age Benefit Institution (EOBI) and social security.

The workers were working for 12 to 16 hours daily without claiming overtime benefits under poor working conditions because they did not have safeguards as they could not move courts for their rights in absence of offer and appointment letters.

It also called for abolition of the contract system as workers were being exploited under the system therefore all relevant laws should be applied on contract workers in the light of a court decision in the matter.

The convention stressed the need for implementation of labour laws especially in Export Processing Zone where workers were working under deplorable conditions.

The convention emphasized the need to reopen closed units which had led to joblessness among 400,000 workers in the country in the name of right and downsizing.