" Workers warn of province-wide protests against labour code", 1 September 2024

All labour organisations across the province have unanimously rejected the Punjab Labour Code-2024 recently devised by the PML-N government in the province.

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the labour leaders unanimously condemned the labour code, terming it a direct attack on the rights and freedom of workers. They labelled the code as a tool crafted by foreign entities and international financial institutions to suppress the labour force and weaken the power of trade unions in Pakistan.

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The leaders expressed apprehensions that the new code would pave the way for widespread privatisation of public institutions that would jeopardise the job security and rights of countless workers.

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The labour leaders issued a stern warning to the Punjab government, saying that any attempt to implement the new code without thorough consultation with labour organisations and the inclusion of their recommendations would be met with a province-wide protest campaign.

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The labour leaders also expressed their commitment to upholding the constitutional rights of workers, particularly the freedoms guaranteed under Section 17 of the Constitution. They vowed not to tolerate any curtailment of these rights, including the freedom of expression and the right to form unions.