News Desk
Karachi, May 1, 2025:
On the occasion of International Labour Day, the Pakistan Institute of Labour Education and Research (PILER) issued a strong statement of solidarity with workers across Pakistan and the globe, emphasizing the need for renewed efforts to address economic injustice, unsafe working conditions, and the erosion of labour protections.
Marking the day as more than a commemoration, PILER described May 1st as a call to action for social and economic justice, especially for marginalized workers. The organization also paid tribute to its late founder, Karamat Ali, recognizing his legacy as a tireless advocate for workers’ rights.
In its statement, PILER highlighted the challenges facing workers across various sectors—from garment and textile workers in major cities to gig economy and migrant workers, as well as those in rural agricultural sectors. The organization warned of an increasingly precarious economic landscape, citing rising inflation, climate change, and weakened labour protections as urgent threats to workers’ livelihoods.
“The global race to the bottom continues to fuel exploitation,” PILER stated, urging coordinated organizing efforts across sectors and national borders to uphold workers’ rights and human dignity.
The organization expressed concern over the growing informalization of labour and a shrinking civic space, calling on the government, employers, and civil society to uphold the principles of decent work, living wages, gender equality, and freedom of association—principles that are enshrined in Pakistan’s Constitution and recognized in international labour conventions.
PILER also issued a set of key recommendations aimed at improving the labour environment in Pakistan. These include:
Policy Implementation: Strict enforcement of existing labour laws to ensure safe working conditions, job security, and fair wages.
Economic Opportunities: Development of inclusive strategies to reduce unemployment and underemployment, particularly among youth and women.
Skill Development: Investment in vocational and technical training to meet evolving market demands.
Gender Equality: Measures to ensure equal pay for equal work, recognition of unpaid care and domestic labour, and gender-sensitive labour policies.
Concluding its message, PILER emphasized the importance of translating the spirit of May Day into tangible actions by amplifying workers’ voices, protecting their rights, and working toward a more equitable economy that prioritizes people over profit.
The statement reiterated a commitment to resisting injustice, building cross-sector solidarity, and shaping a future grounded in dignity and hope for all workers.