Pakistan: The struggle of the workers at Al-Ghazi Tractors in D.G. Khan

After tolerating draconian work conditions, with many workers on day wages, [i.e. workers who turn up each day and wait to see if they get a day’s work], suddenly the wrath of the workers spilled over and they downed tools. The response of the boss has been a lock-out. The struggle continues.

Workers at Al-Ghazi Tractors are mounting a struggle for their demands, while management is using every method to end this struggle. In the factory there are 135 permanent workers, 365 on old contracts, 120 on new contracts and the number of daily wage workers varies from 150 to 250 every day. Every morning the daily wage workers, carrying their Tiffin [lunch] boxes, gather outside the factory gate after travelling for miles and spending money on fares on the miserable public transport. The management takes in only the numbers that are required and the rest have no option but to return to their homes, after spending money on fares once again. The intimidation from the management does not end here; inside the factory gates the workers are subjected to humiliating treatment.

Workers on daily wages are paid Rs.270 per day, whereas those on contracts are paid Rs.7000 a month. Daily wage and contract workers are denied union rights and a so called “pocket union” has been created by the management to represent the permanent workers.

In such oppressive conditions, the workers are forced to implore at the doorsteps of the Union, General Manager (GM) or the Managing Director for their rights and a raise in their wages. One day, after beatings and swearing from the GM, the workers stopped work and started to protest at the factory gate. The management kept on threatening the workers and called in the police. When intimidation by the police proved futile, they attempted to divide the workers on linguistic and sectarian lines. The workers foresaw the evil designs of the management and got a stay order from Multan Labour court bench no.9 and went on with their protest. Initially the management declared the workers to be the employees of the Sherry Man Power Company of Faisalabad, but upon denial from that company the management expelled 485 contract workers and closed the factory down.

The workers’ protest and rallies continue and their spirits are high. They have stated that if the factory is not opened up again they will occupy the factory and run it without the management. The Pakistan Trade Union Campaign stands shoulder to shoulder with these workers and is spreading their voice to other workers.

Demands:

1. Daily wage and contract workers to be made permanent.

2. Minimum wage of Rs.15, 000 and linked with inflation.

3. 8 hour working day and overtime according to international standards.

4. A bonus every 3 months and annual pay rise.

5. Provision of transportation.

6. Housing in the labour colony or housing allowance.

7. Democratic control of the workers over the factory.