Three hundred workers have been locked out and six face charges for participating in a peaceful demonstration protesting illegally low wages at Naveena Textile Mills in Lahore, Pakistan.

On July 30 workers, labour officials and activists gathered outside the Naveena factory to demand that management stop paying wages below the legal minimum of RS. 6000 and abide by Pakistan’s labour law and international labour standards. In response, police reportedly attacked the peaceful demonstrators with batons, used tear gas in an attempt to disperse them, and arrested and detained six people including CMKP Punjab President Taimur Rehman, Rafaqat Ali Azad, Muhammad Ilyas from the All-Pakistan Trade Union Federation (APTUF), CMKP Lahore District Committee (DC) member Muhammad Ali Jan and Adam Shah and Bilal, workers from the Naveena Textile Mills. The six have since been released, but charges have been filed against them.

The Constitution of Pakistan, in addition to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and ILO Conventions, recognise the fundamental rights of freedom of expression, association and assembly. The ability of workers to collectively express their grievances and their right to consult and engage in a dialogue with employers is a fundamental part of a just and democratic society and essential for harmonious industrial relations.

Send a message to Pakistani officials demanding they protect the human rights of their citizens. Help ensure that the unfair charges against the peaceful protestors are dropped, and that workers are reinstated and receive the minimum wage in accordance with the law.

Dear Sirs,

I am writing in regard to the recent protest at Naveena Textile Mills, Thokar Niaz Beg, in Lahore. I understand that a majority of Naveena’s 800 workers participated in a peaceful demonstration in front of the factory on July 30. The purpose of the demonstration was to demand implementation of labour laws, particularly payment of the legal minimum wage of RS. 6000/-. Naveena has reportedly not been paying the legal minimum wage, has not given workers appointment letters, and has been forcing workers to work overtime.

I am deeply concerned by reports that police attacked the peacefully demonstrating workers with batons, used tear gas in an attempt to disperse them, and arrested and detained six participants in the protest: CMKP Punjab President Taimur Rehman, Rafaqat Ali Azad, Muhammad Ilyas from the All-Pakistan Trade Union Federation (APTUF), CMKP Lahore District Committee (DC) members, Muhammad Ali Jan and Adam Shah and Bilal, workers from the Naveena Textile Mills. Although I am relieved to know that the six workers and activists have been released, I am calling on you to immediately drop the charges levied against them in the course of their legitimate and peaceful action.

The ability of workers to collectively express their grievances is a fundamental part of a just and democratic society. International labour standards include the right of workers to consult with and engage in a public dialogue with employers.

I ask that you immediately protect the fundamental rights of Naveena workers and labour rights activists be ensuring that:

• the charges against the six workers and officials are withdrawn
• all workers participating in the demonstration are reinstated
• Naveena workers are paid the minimum wage RS 6000/
• the union rights of Naveena workers, encompassed in ILO Conventions 87 and 98 which have been ratified by Pakistan, are fully restored

Sincerely,

cc: Rubina Jamil, Chairperson, All Pakistan Trade Union Federation rubinawwo@nexlinx.net.pk