Deadly factory fire in Pakistan 31 August, 2021On 27 August, 17 workers in Mehran Town, Pakistan, were killed as a fire swept through an illegal factory producing bags. Exits and windows were barred, meaning the workers had no way out. The fire is a stark reminder that without implementation, protective laws are useless.
The fatally hazardous environment in Pakistan’s largely unregulated coal mines31 May, 2021With the government reluctant to ratify ILO C176, Pakistan’s miners are condemned to work in death traps.
2020: a year of carnage for Pakistan’s mineworkers7 January, 2021Pakistani mineworkers’ unions estimate that at least 208 workers were killed on the job in 2020. This trend seems set to continue this year, with a fatal accident on New Years’ Day, and two fatal accidents and a terror attack on 3 January. So far this year, 14 mineworkers have been killed.
Alarming attacks on labour laws during Covid-19 in South Asia18 December, 2020Across South Asian countries labour laws are facing increased attacks undermining workers’ rights including freedom of association and collective bargaining. IndustriALL South Asia affiliates call for building national and international solidarity to protect workers’ rights.
Significant step forward for homebased workers in Sindh, Pakistan18 December, 2020The Homebased Women Workers Federation (HBWWF) has signed a MoU with the regional government’s labour department to register homebased workers. The process will help thousands of workers to receive social protection benefits in the future.
Health and safety a major concern for South Asia chemical and pharmaceutical unions10 December, 2020Increasing industrial accidents, health and safety risks, lack of relevant information, precarious work, digitalisation in production and building union networks were some of the key issues discussed at the South Asia chemical and pharmaceutical unions meeting on 27 November.
Pakistan women rise against anti-women tendencies in media 30 September, 2020Anti-women and misogynist remarks made against female union leader Zehra Khan in a television programme sparked an all women protest in the city of Karachi in Pakistan, bringing together trade unionists, political party leaders and activists.
Hong Kong Convention key to South Asian shipbreaking recovery29 September, 2020South Asia shipbreaking unions, IndustriALL and FNV Mondiaal representatives held virtual meetings on 24 and 25 September to evaluate union support for workers during Covid-19, and pledged to intensify the campaign to ratify the Hong Kong Convention for the safe and environmentally sound recycling of ships (HKC).
Electricity workers in Pakistan demand safety17 September, 2020From 1 July 2019 to 30 June 2020, at least 53 electricity workers were killed at work, and many suffered severe injuries disabling them for life. And the day before a national safety day to remember the dead and promote safety, another fatal accident occurred.
South Asia unions prioritize social protection, health and workers’ rights9 September, 2020In a series of meetings, IndustriALL’s South Asia affiliates described the devastating impact of Covid-19, health and safety challenges and renewed attacks on workers’ rights. Their response to overcome the crisis is universal social protection, defending workers’ rights and unity.
