Pakistan Trade Union Defence Campaign

The Pakistan Trade Union Defence Campaign (PTUDC) is an international solidarity campaign for Pakistani workers.

PTUDC
Pakistan Trade Union Defence Campaign
پاکستان ٹریڈ یونین ڈیفنس کمپئین
Founded1996
HeadquartersLahore, Pakistan
Location
Key people
Lal Khan,ex-International Secretary
Umar Shahid, Organizer[1]
Websitehttps://socialistmiddleeast.com

History edit

In 1995, Arif Shah, a leading trade union leader, was assassinated.[2] Following his assassination, the Punjab Labour Federation, the United Labour Federation, the Progressive Workers Alliance, the Railway Workers Union, and the National Union of Postal Employees jointly launched the PTUDC.[3]

Work edit

The PTUDC declares its views and aims in response to the need for working-class military in Pakistan.[4] It is against privatization and proposes the complete nationalization of industry, in order to put it under the democratic control of workers.[5]

Two of its members were arrested while distributing leaflets to oppose privatization in Karachi.[6] It is working to ensure safe working conditions and to demand better facilities for workers.[7] It holds various events to publicize worker struggle.[8]

In 2005, Pakistani Kashmir was hit by an earthquake.[9] PTUDC had set up relief camps and demanded a hefty tax to be imposed on all capitalists so that money could be generated for rehabilitation.[10] PTUDC established affiliated support groups in Europe, the US and Canada.[11] Jeremy Corbyn attended its solidarity meeting in London.[12]

In May 2018 PTUDC, along with 16 other progressive organisations, established the Lahore Left Front.[13] The Lahore Left Front hosted the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement public meeting at Lahore on 22 April 2018.[14]

Platform edit

Its platform is as follows:

  • Defence of trade unions from physical attacks of employers
  • Defence of the right to organize
  • Stop the privatization of state industries; re-nationalize those privatized firms under workers’ control
  • The establishment of a minimum living wage for all, linked to the cost of living
  • The abolition of child labour
  • Free education and healthcare

Publications edit

Monthly journal Mazdoornama[15] is the official organ of PTUDC.[16]

References edit

  1. ^ "Current Class Struggle of Pakistan" (Interview). Retrieved 25 August 2022.
  2. ^ "Sexual Harassment Watch-The Pakistan Trade Union Defence Campaign (PTUDC) Pakistan | Lets Make The Workplace Dignified". www.sexualharassmentwatch.org. Retrieved 25 August 2018.
  3. ^ "Pakistan Trade Union Defence C... - Organizations - TakingITGlobal". orgs.tigweb.org. Retrieved 25 August 2018.
  4. ^ "Pakistan Trade Union Defence Campaign". Marxist Student Federation. 27 August 2015. Retrieved 25 August 2018.
  5. ^ "Trade unions, worker representation and the privatisation process | The Express Tribune". The Express Tribune. 26 March 2014. Retrieved 25 August 2018.
  6. ^ Refugees, United Nations High Commissioner for. "Refworld | 2010 Annual Survey of violations of trade union rights - Pakistan". Ref-world. Retrieved 25 August 2018.
  7. ^ "PTUDC demands early compensation for families of Gadani victims". www.pakistantoday.com.pk. 26 November 2016. Retrieved 25 August 2018.
  8. ^ "Pakistan Trade Union Defence Campaign". www.labournet.net. Retrieved 25 August 2018.
  9. ^ "The Kashmir earthquake of October 8, 2005: Impacts in Pakistan". ReliefWeb. Retrieved 25 August 2018.
  10. ^ "PTUDC seeks 25pc quake tax on MNCs, feudal lords". DAWN.COM. 8 November 2005. Retrieved 25 August 2018.
  11. ^ http://www.marxist.pk/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/PTUDC_WinterBulletin-A4.pdf [bare URL PDF]
  12. ^ Marxism, In Defence of (19 November 2007). "Successful international solidarity campaign to get Manzoor Ahmed released". www.marxist.com. Retrieved 25 August 2018.
  13. ^ "17 like-minded parties form Lahore Left Front". Retrieved 25 August 2018.
  14. ^ Malik, Dawn.com | Atika Rehman | Arif (22 April 2018). "PTM Lahore rally: Manzoor Pashteen announces to take grievances to Karachi on May 12". DAWN.COM. Retrieved 25 August 2018.
  15. ^ Campaign, Pakistan Trade Union Defence (30 April 2015). "May Day Preparations in Pakistan". www.bolshevik.info. Retrieved 25 August 2018.
  16. ^ "مزدور نامہ (جون 2015ء)". The Struggle | طبقاتی جدوجہد. Retrieved 25 August 2018.