PESHAWAR: Events, including rallies, walks and functions were held across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to mark the International Labor Day on Wednesday with the participants demanding increasing the minimum wage to Rs50,000 to enable workers to cope with the spiraling inflation to some extent.

The participants also paid homage to the workers of Chicago, who had sacrificed their lives on this day in 1886 for their right of an eight-hour duty.

Addressing a gathering organised by the labour department in collaboration with the International Labour Organisation (ILO), provincial labour minister Fazal Shakoor Khan reiterated the government’s unwavering support for the welfare of workers.

He emphasised the labour department’s dedication to enacting legislation aimed at providing comprehensive facilities to labourers and protecting their rights. He underscored the evolving challenges faced by workers in the modern era, including automation, changing trade dynamics and globalisation, and highlighted the ongoing efforts to address these challenges through innovative methods and laws.

Rallies, walks mark International Labour Day in KP

“Pakistan’s active participation in the ILO’s mission to protect workers’ rights was commended,” the minister said, noting the country’s ratification of numerous conventions, including eight fundamental ones.

Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur was the chief guest at the event.

Mr Shakoor outlined the steps taken by the provincial government to safeguard workers’ rights, including the enactment of provincial labour laws post-18th Constitutional Amendment.

Meanwhile, participants of a rally organised by Peoples Labour Bureau of Pakistan Peoples Party called for regularisation of the casual workers in all the public sector departments, including SNGPL and Wapda.

Bureau’s president Shah Zulqarnain led the rally.

They asked for fixing EOBI pension at Rs25,000 per month and minimum wage at Rs50,000. They also demanded that Workers Welfare Fund should not be transferred to provinces.

Similarly, All Pakistan Wapda Hydro Electric Workers’ Union staged a rally, where participants vowed to oppose the proposed privatisation of power distribution companies. They asked for implementation of labour laws without delay, and early filling of the vacant posts in Peshawar Electric Supply Company.

Meanwhile, Railway Workers’ Union, Peshawar division also held a rally outside the press club to pay tribute to the martyrs of Chicago.

The rally was led by union’s divisional president Rahim Taj Shinwari and general secretary Riaz Kashmiri.

The participants said rising inflation had added to workers’ problems and demanded the government increase their salaries in proportion to inflation.

Another demonstration was organised by Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf’s Labour Wing in front of the press club building to show solidarity with the workers.

Labour union of the communication and works department also held a rally at the Bacha Khan Chowk to mark the International Labour Day.

Meanwhile, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Haji Ghulam Ali in his message on the occasion of International Labour Day said the role of the working class was of great importance in national development and prosperity.

He said the working class was the backbone of any country’s economy, and fulfilling their economic, social and welfare needs was one of the duties of the government.

In Swat, the management of the Swat Public School and College organised a daylong event to honour the labourers of the region.

The event saw participation of Class-IV workers from 13 organisations.

Teachers, principals and students came together to extend their gratitude towards the unsung heroes of labour. The labourers were treated to many activities ranging from spirited football games, ping pong (table tennis) and tug-of-war to the soulful music tunes that filled the air. Lavish food was prepared to satiate their appetites, ensuring every individual felt cherished and valued. The workers also sang folk songs and expressed their gratitude to the organisers.

In Swabi, Pakistan Workers Federation, district chapter, staged a rally in connection with the International Labour Day. The rally started from PWF office and ended at Karnal Sher Khan Chowk.

The workers demanded halt to privatisation of public sector organisations, giving service structure to all employees, implementing labour laws in GadoonAmazai Industrial Estate and raising the minimum wage to Rs50,000.

Also, functions were held in Lakki Marwat and Bannu on Wednesday to mark the day.

The boy scouts association and education department held a function at a school in Lakki city.

In Bannu, office-bearers and workers of All Pakistan Wapda Hydro Electric Workers’ Union organised a gathering to pay homage to workers of Chicago.

Activists of Peoples Labour Bureau also joined the gathering.

In Shangla, speakers at a rally demanded of the government to increase the number of coal mine rescuers in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as there were just 14 of them for over 10,000 coal mines located in the province.

Local coal mine workers’ association staged the rally in Karora area.

The day was also observed in Charsadda, where Pakistan Mazdoor Kisan Party leaders paid homage to the martyrs of Chicago.

Published in Dawn, May 2nd, 2024