Militant greetings from All Pakistan Trade Union Federation!

I would like to briefly introduce that All Pakistan Trade Union Federation is a National Trade Union Center in Pakistan, having affiliation of 240 trade unions of public and private sector industries and commercial institutions. The informal sector unions, brick kilns workers and general laborers are also part of federation. APTUF is also struggling to eliminate child/bonded labor and all kinds of discrimination against workers (women & men) and striving hard to uplift the working and living condition of down trodden segment of the society.

State of Labor Laws in Country

Workers of Pakistan are facing worst working conditions including long working hours, low wages and no freedom of association. As labor laws existing in country ensure rights to workers including freedom of unionization and collective bargaining, but this is o­nly in books. Practically, there is no or very few implementation of labor laws, without any freedom of association. Unfortunately approach and attitude of government authorities and employers towards workers is very unsupported, not allowing workers to practice their very legal right of trade union and collective bargaining. The union submitted a Workers Charter of Demands to Capital Industry’s’ management, so encounter, the management also serve the demand notice to union demanding to reduce the wages and other facilities. Management main purpose to harass the union leaders to withdraw its Demand Notice or make the agreement according to Management wishes. This action of the management clearly violating ILO Conventions 98 and 87, Constitution of Pakistan as well as the Industrial Relation Ordinance 2002.

Brief Scenario of Workers Struggle /Challenges in Capital Industry (Pvt) Ltd.

Capital Industry (Pvt) Ltd. Manufacturing bicycles, located at Gulberg Industrial Area, Lahore, Pakistan. Employed nearly 600 workers. Capital Industry Workers Union is affiliated with All Pakistan Trade Union Federation, got success in referendum in April 2005, The management did not recognize the collective bargaining status of the union and used different tactics to harass the union leaders and workers. Union is peaceful element union tries to dialogue with the management for the acceptance of workers demand, but management does not recognize workers union, and instead of dialogue o­n demands, threatens the workers/union office bearers not to pursue the demand notice. And terminated 24 workers and six office bearers

History of Proceedings from July 21 to July 25th, 2005

April 2005, Capital Industry Workers Union won Referendum.

June 6, 2005 Demand Notice given to the management

June 7, 2005Management given Charter of Demand to Union

July 2, 2005 Charge sheet six office bearers and terminated 24 union activists

July 5, 2005 Protest gate meetings in front of factory.

July 6, 2005 Protest rally in all industrial areas.

July 8, 2005 Union approach to Labor Department and concern authorities

July 15, 2005 All Pakistan Trade Union Federation written a letters to Prime Minister and other government representatives

July 22, 2005, meeting with Secretary Labor

July 23, 2005 informed other trade union federations about the dispute.

July 23, 2005 APTUF with other federation hold protest agitation in front of factory gate against the termination of 24 workers.

July 25, 2005 Conciliation proceeding going o­n with labor department, management not bother to attend meeting

Union is constantly approaching concerned authorities but no step has been taken against the employer to stop violation of law. Workers situation is going to be worse day by day and employer higher goons man to harass workers. This created great unrest among the workers.

Our Demands:

* Immediately reinstate 24 workers and withdraw charge sheets
* Stop Violation of ILO Convention 98 and 87 and implement labor laws.

* Accept workers demands such as salary increase, health & safety measure, medical treatment, production incentive/bonus, freedom of speech and collective bargaining, restore the already avail benefits.

I know that you all understand and realize workers situation in Pakistan, which clearly reflects the approach of Employers and Government’s concerned department towards workers rights and formation of trade union. So in these circumstances, to support and encourage the struggle of workers, we request all of our partners, trade union federations, human rights groups to send solidarity message to APTUF and a send Protest Letters to all concerned Government Authorities (By email or Fax, address given below) against the unjust and inhuman attitude of Capital Industry Management in view of our demands.

Your action and support will definitely encourage the struggle of workers.

In solidarity,

Gulzar Ahmed Chaudhary Rubina JamilGeneral Secretary ChairpersonAll Pakistan Trade Union Federation14 N, Industrial Area,Gulberg II, Lahore, PakistanFax: 92-42-6665301

Protest messages sent to:Addresses/Email/Fax Contacts of Government Authorities

Mr. Shaukat Aziz

Prime Minister of PakistanPrime Minister Secretariat

Islamabad-Pakistan

Mr. Khalid Maqbool

Governor of Punjab

Governor House Lahore-Pakistan

Tel: 92-42-9200081-9

Fax:92-42-9203044

Email: governor.sectt@punjab.gov.pk

Mr. Parvez Elahi

Chief Minister of Punjab

Chief Minister House

Lahore-Pakistan

Tel: 92-42 9203222

Fax: 92-42-9203224

Federal Minister of Labor

Federal Ministry of Labor, Manpower

& Overseas Pakistanis

Block B, Pak Secretariat

Islamabad, Pakistan

Mr. Shahnawaz Badar

Secretary Labour

Government of Punjab

2 Bank Road, Old P & D Building

Lahore, Pakistan

Tel: 92-42-9211580

Fax: 92-42-9230296

Malik Asif Hyat

Secretary

Federal Ministry of Labor, Manpower

& Overseas Pakistanis

Block B, Pak Secretariat

Islamabad, Pakistan

Home Secretary Punjab

Civil Secretariat

Lahore, Pakistan

Inspector General Police

Punjab, Lahore

Pakistan

Mr. Juan Sumavia

Director General International Labour Office

Route Des Morillons

4 CH -121,

Geneva 22, Switzerlad

Mr. Jim Baker

Director

Bureau for Workers’ Activities

International Labour Office

4, route des Morillons

CH- 1211 Geneve 22

Switzerland

Mr. Dong Lin Li

Director

International Labor Organization

Area Office ILO Building

Sector G-5/2

Islamabad-Pakistan

Email: Islamabad@ilo.org