he International Workers’ Day is celebrated annually on May 1 to commemorate the struggle and achievements of workers around the world. This day provides an opportunity for workers and their organisations to reflect on the challenges they face and to advocate for better working conditions, wages and social protection.

For trade union leaders, it is important to recognise the ongoing problems faced by workers in the country. Despite constitutional provisions, many workers in Pakistan continue to face exploitation, low wages, lack of social protections and unsafe working conditions.

Chaudhary Nasim Iqbal, president of the Pakistan Workers’ Federation (PWF) says that one of the biggest issues facing workers in Pakistan is a lack of decent work opportunities. “Many workers, particularly those in the informal sector, lack job security, social protection and access to fair wages. This not only harms workers and their families but also undermines economic growth and development.”

To address these challenges, he says, trade unions and other workers’ organisations must promote decent work for all workers. “This includes advocating for fair wages, safe working conditions, social protections and job security. In addition, workers must have the right to form and join trade unions and to engage in collective bargaining to improve their working conditions.”

But how does one achieve these goals? Iqbal says it is important to build strong alliances between trade unions, civil society organisations and other stakeholders. This, he says, includes working with government agencies to develop and implement policies that promote decent work for all workers as well as engaging with the private sector to promote responsible business practices and decent work throughout supply chains.

“It is also important to recognise the contributions of migrant workers and to promote their rights and protections. Many workers in Pakistan are migrants. They face particular challenges in terms of access to decent work, social protections and other rights. Trade unions and other worker organisations must work to ensure that migrant workers are not exploited and that their rights are protected.”

Iqbal emphasises the need to work together to build a more just and equitable society, “where all workers are treated with dignity and respect.”

Saad Muhammad, Pakistan Workers’ Federation’s deputy general secretary, says that as a young trade union leader, Labour Day holds a special significance for him. “This day represents a time to reflect on the labour movement’s accomplishments and to renew our commitment to fighting for the rights and interests of working people.”

He says that the day commemorates the Haymarket affair in Chicago in 1886, where workers were protesting for an eight-hour work day. The peaceful demonstration turned violent when a bomb exploded, resulting in the death of several workers and police officers. Despite the tragic outcome, he says, the protest served as a catalyst for the labour movement, turning May Day into a day to honour the struggle of workers for better working conditions, fair wages and workers‘ rights.

Saad says that the labour movement continues to be a critical force in advocating for the needs and rights of the working class. “We work tirelessly to ensure that workers are protected from exploitation and have access to fair wages, safe working conditions and job security. We also fight for the right to unionise and collectively bargain for better pay and benefits.”

He says a lot more needs to be done. “Many workers around the world still face exploitation and unsafe working conditions. The gap between the rich and the poor continues to widen. The Covid-19 pandemic highlighted the precariousness of the opportunity to work for many people, especially those in low-wage jobs.”

“As we celebrate Labour Day, we must remember that the labour movement is not just a historic relic but a vital force for change in our society. We must continue to fight for the rights and needs of working people to ensure that everyone has access to a decent living wage, safe working conditions and job security. We must also work to ensure that our society is fair and equitable, with no one left behind.”

He urges all workers to stand united in solidarity in their struggle for worker rights and dignity.

The writer is a reporter at The News International. He can be reached at sherali9984@gmail.com