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27 May, 2001Union opposes retrenchment policies of the government and says real wages and pension benefits must increase.
PAKISTAN: In a meeting of its National Executive Committee on May 25, the IMF-affiliated All Pakistan Federation of Trade Unions expressed great concern over the country's mounting unemployment, attributing its cause to inadequate government planning.
Approximately 1.6 million young people enter Pakistan's labour market each year, but corresponding job opportunities are not sufficient. The APFTU says that most of the jobless are found among educated young men.
Also, over the last years, the real value of wages has been greatly reduced, and far too many people - 75 per cent of the women and 50 per cent of the male population - do not have access to education. Within just a few years, those living below the poverty line have doubled, from 17 per cent to 35 per cent.
The union, criticising the government for resorting to retrenchment policies dictated by the World Bank and International Monetary Fund, has called for the introduction of social and economic reforms giving new job opportunities, a real boost in workers' wages for both the private and public sectors, an increase in pension benefits for retirees and the amendment of labour laws to bring them in line with ILO Conventions ratified by the Pakistan government.
In related news, the Pakistan Workers' Confederation has decided to observe June 7, 2001, as a day of protest against price hikes, downsizing, restrictions on trade union rights and unjustified policies of international donor agencies.
Approximately 1.6 million young people enter Pakistan's labour market each year, but corresponding job opportunities are not sufficient. The APFTU says that most of the jobless are found among educated young men.
Also, over the last years, the real value of wages has been greatly reduced, and far too many people - 75 per cent of the women and 50 per cent of the male population - do not have access to education. Within just a few years, those living below the poverty line have doubled, from 17 per cent to 35 per cent.
The union, criticising the government for resorting to retrenchment policies dictated by the World Bank and International Monetary Fund, has called for the introduction of social and economic reforms giving new job opportunities, a real boost in workers' wages for both the private and public sectors, an increase in pension benefits for retirees and the amendment of labour laws to bring them in line with ILO Conventions ratified by the Pakistan government.
In related news, the Pakistan Workers' Confederation has decided to observe June 7, 2001, as a day of protest against price hikes, downsizing, restrictions on trade union rights and unjustified policies of international donor agencies.