The Pakistan Workers Federation (PWF) was formed in 2005 through the merger of the three largest trade union federations in the country, namely, the Pakistan National Federation of Trade Unions (PNFTU), All Pakistan Federation of Labour (APFOL) and All Pakistan Federation of Trade Unions (APFTU) has been remained operative in Pakistan as the independent and inclusive trade union federation. Since its formation, PWF proudly remained the affiliate of the International Trade Union Confederation(ITUC) so the workers of Pakistan have an effective voice at the national as well as international levels. This is despite full legal endorsement of the PWF’s current leadership and the legal processes through which it was approved by the National Industrial Relations Commission-NIRC on the 5th of April, 2023 The PWF remains confronted with the some individuals who seek to destabilize the federation and the trade union movements in Pakistan. The present leadership manage the PWF democratically overtook the federation from a group of corrupt mafias who had been taking over the PWF name and resources. Since then PWF has not only revived its position but also stands firm in defense of workers’ rights across Pakistan.

This win is the first step to ensuring decent work, better and safe working conditions, workplace safety and social protection. The PWF has faced a serious challenge, however, noting that we are democratically elected and legally recognized there are some people who have not respected the NIRC decision and the orders of the court. They have unlawfully obtained influential positions at provincial, national and international levels with the help of external forces in the name of the PWF. This has been interpreted as plain contempt of the court and has created confusion in various institutions including the provincial, National and International organizations as well as the donor agencies. These actions are in fact part of the strategy to dismantle the labor movement in Pakistan. In the most recent development, a number of persons who had unlawfully taken over the name of the PWF are now in the process of propagating another fallacy, of “unification” with a new organization. This is a trick aimed at misguiding the national and international organizations including the workers of Pakistan.

To be very clear, let me say here that, there is no merger of any form involving the PWF, and the elected leadership of the PWF- have not merged nor is part of any political gimmick. However, it plays into the hands of such people as a disguise through which the latter continues to blind international organizations and national and provincial governments to their unlawful deeds. Their goal is clear: to obtain seats and control in Pakistan's Labour sector as well as on international-level forums just for personal profit. This is a crude act to distort the unity of workers and to dismiss the authority of the PWF. Pakistan Workers Federation- PWF calls on the representatives of the provincial Labour and human resource departments, the Ministry of OPHRD, the ILO, the ITUC as well as the donor organizations not to get into the grasp. These entities need to be cautious and decline any scam activities being conducted with the name of PWF by those who have not been part of the federation since April 2023. That is why the PWF remains independent, democratic, and the largest federation in Pakistan till now. We have always as well as will work only in the interest of the workers we have always and shall continue to work in the best interest of the workers of the country.

We request these institutions to side with the law of land and support justice to preserve the independence of the Labour movement in Pakistan and the tendency to respect legal decisions and court verdicts. All those who have contributed to the misuse of the PWF name will face justice in the court of law as they not only undermine the best interest of the PWF but also the key principle of workers’ rights. Nevertheless, the PWF is keenly aware of the stated challenges and continues to defend the rights of the workers of Pakistan actively. Being a federation, we have been successful in attaining attainments which were of great importance and helped to advance the lives of workers across all sectors. All our work is defined by our commitment to struggle for workers’ rights; fair wages, decent working conditions, job security and the rights of all workers in both the formal and informal economy.

PWF as Major part of the tripartite structure of Pakistan to advocate for Pakistan Govt and employer partners to protect Labour rights and ensure just, fair work-power relations. Together we have been able to progress changes for workers, and we continue to remain committed to this work. The PWF will not be threatened by people who wish to use the Labour movement to advance their personality or political agenda. Be confident that in our struggle for workers, we shall in one way or another, and at one time or another, lead the fight against exploitation, inequity, or illegality. PWF pursuing legal action to force those who are using impostor names on behalf of PWF to be brought to justice. The PWF has already been seeking legal action against these individuals who with external support are trying to strike at the federation through vicious rumors circulating about mergers and unifications that were never a reality.

Recall that the PWF did not merge with any organization, and any statements of that nature are far from the truth and aimed at deceiving the public and Labour institutions. PWF is the most representatively legitimate and real voice for the workers of Pakistan. We will keep struggling for worker's full rights and will make sure that the Labour movement in Pakistan is stronger, more united and autonomous. We request all the concerned institutions come to terms with the legitimacy of the PWF and refrain fromsubmission to other forces that are in essence striving to frustrate the trade union movement in Pakistan in a bid to serve their parochial interests.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan