May 2, 2024
By Asad Mumtaz
KARACHI
On International Labour Day, May 1, 2024, labourers and homeless workers organised a rally from Regal Chowk to Karachi Press Club in Karachi. A diverse group, including civil society members and individuals from various schools of thought, joined the workers in the rally, displaying banners with various demands voiced by the labour activists.
They opposed the policies of the IMF and demanded an increase in the minimum wage, as well as registration in the social security. “The minimum wage should be fixed at Rs50,000,” said Himmath Ali, a member of NTUF.
“Inflation is too high and the current minimum salary of Rs32,000 is not sufficient for us to meet our monthly expenses. Often we don’t even receive the full amount,” added Saira Feroze from the Home Based Women’s Federation.
“Workers are often paid less than the agreed minimum wage, receiving only Rs15,000 to 20,000. The minimum wage must be raised to Rs50,000,” said Gul Rehman, another member of NTUF.
“We will continue to strive for our rights until our demands are met,” he added.
“We reject the state’s agreement with the IMF because the labourer are facing the worst repercussions of the deal,” stated Raza Abbasi, the general secretary of NTUF.
Participants emphasized the need for the ruling party to revise its policies concerning workers, highlighting that due to agreements made with the IMF and other international organizations, workers are among the hardest hit.