- By: NADER KHAN
PESHAWAR : Chairman, Amun Taraqqi Party (ATP) Muhammad Faiq Shah has demanded fixing Rs40,000 per month as the living wages for unskilled workers while keeping in view the rising inflation in the country, saying that labour rights continue to be abused in Pakistan.
Speaking at a seminar in connection with International Labour’s Day here organized by the party’s central organisation here on Monday, Shah said that the constitution of the country provides safeguards to all forms of labour and has a wide range of provisions that grant them protection and freedom of rights.
However, he added, despite legislation, the state has been grappling with the arduous task of giving a safe environment and treatment to its workers.
Faiq demanded introduction of ‘living wages’ instead of ‘minimum wages’ mechanism, keeping in view the proportionate inflation.
He also asked the authorities concerned to provide all health, education facilities as well as social security at an optimal level.
Similarly, he demanded reserved seats for labour in the national as well as provincial assemblies like those for women and minorities for an effective representation of the working class in the decision-making processes.
Shah also called for early and effective legislation for protecting rights of home-based workers, forming anti-harassment committees in factories and ending contract-based employment system in all sectors, including brick kilns.
Earlier, other speakers on the occasion highlighted the need for setting up tripartite committees at provincial and district levels to speed up resolution of industrial disputes and regular meetings of district vigilance bodies.
Later, the ATP organized an awareness walk, which was spearheaded by the party chairman Muhamamd Faiq Shah.
A large number of social, rights activists, party workers and people from different walks of life participated in the rally.
The participants were carrying placards and banners, yelling with various slogans in favour of labour and working class rights.
The rally also adopted a unanimous resolution, calling upon the government and relevant authorities to provide all facilities and rights to labour and workers and make effective legislation to end harassement, torture and all kinds of abused at workplace.